Who has the edge: Dolphins vs. Titans breakdown.
The Dolphins finally get to play at home
When Dolphins run
The inability to run the ball has been the most surprising aspect of the Dolphins’ slow offensive start. Coach Adam Gase puts the responsibility on the offensive line. RB Jay Ajayi (51 carries, 184 yards, 3.6 yards per carry) has 23 carries for 62 yards in the past two games. According to Gase, that’s mainly because of the offensive line’s inability to open running lanes. Tennessee is 21st in run defense (112.5 yards allowed per game) after allowing 173 yards to Houston last week. But the Titans are respectable. The running game battle will be won up front and it’s tough to favor the Dolphins’ offensive line right now.
Edge: Titans
When Titans run
Pro Bowl RB DeMarco Murray (42 carries, 215 yards, 5.1 yards per carry) will be the biggest test of the season for Miami’s muchimproved run defense. The Titans are sixth in rushing offense (138.8 yards per game). But give the Dolphins credit. The run defense has been stubborn at 77.7 yards allowed per game (fourth in NFL). The defensive line, led by Pro Bowl DE Cameron Wake and Pro Bowl DT Ndamukong Suh, is fifthbest in yards per carry allowed (3.1). The addition of SLB Lawrence Timmons has also helped. Considering Tennessee QB Marcus Mariota (hamstring) figures to be slowed, if he plays, this part of the game becomes a bigger factor in the outcome.
Edge: Dolphins
When Dolphins pass
This is another area Gase puts the bulk of the blame on the offensive line. Gase contends QB Jay Cutler (2 TDs, 2 INTs, 80.4 passer rating, 25th in NFL) could throw downfield if he had time to pass. Cutler has been sacked nine times. Tennessee is 28th in pass defense (274 yards allowed per game). WRs Jarvis Landry (25 receptions, 166 yards), DeVante Parker (18 receptions, 230 yards, 1 TD) and Kenny Stills (nine receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD) have yet to get going. Tennessee likes to blitz so the offensive line will have its hands full with Pro Bowl DE Jurrell Casey and Pro Bowl OLB Brian Orakpo. If the offensive line gives Cutler time to throw, according to Gase, things should fall into place. But that’s tough to see right now.
Edge: Titans
When Titans pass
Pass defense has been the big weakness on an otherwise strong Dolphins’ defense. But Mariota’s status throws questions into everything. One thing to consider is the Titans have a pair of outstanding offensive tackles in All-Pro RT Jack Conklin and Pro Bowl LT Taylor Lewan. The Titans have only allowed four sacks this season. Miami’s pass rush must put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which hasn’t happened consistently yet. The Dolphins’ secondary, including the linebackers, haven’t been good, which favors Pro Bowl TE Delanie Walker. The Dolphins are 27th in pass defense (272 yards allowed per game). And there could be issues at cornerback with Xavien Howard’s shoulder injury. It’s tough to favor the Dolphins considering Jets QB Josh McCown had success two weeks ago.
Edge: Titans
Special teams
Miami K Cody Parkey (4-of-4 FGs, 1-of-2 XPs) hasn’t attempted a field goal in the past two games. P Matt Haack (16-45.4 yards per punt) is 18th in the NFL. WR/PR Jarvis Landry could add some sizzle. More importantly he adds reliable hands over WR/KOR/PR Jakeem Grant. RB Kenyan Drake teams with Grant on kickoff returns and they’re worth watching. Titans KOR/PR Adoree Jackson has been more dangerous on punt returns, where he’s second in the NFL (12.7 yards per return). K Ryan Succop (10-of-11 FGs, 10-of-10 XPs) is solid and P Brett Kern (18-50.0 yards per punt) has been strong.
Edge: Titans
Intangibles
The Dolphins are playing their first game at Hard Rock Stadium this season, which could be a big factor as Miami was 6-2 at home last year . ...
Tennessee QB Marcus Mariota (hamstring) remains questionable, which could mean the Titans start QB Matt Cassel (0 TDs, 2 INTs) . ...
Tennessee’s pass defense (28th in NFL) might be up to the task this week. It’s been punished by Oakland QB Derek Carr, Seattle QB Russell Wilson and Houston red-hot rookie QB DeShaun Watson, but it handled Jacksonville QB Blake Bortles . ...
The weather forecast has a 50 percent chance of rain. Edge: Dolphins PREDICTION: Titans 17, Dolphins 14