The Tennessee Titans are preparing to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 4 action on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The Titans (0-3) again failed to get into the win column, falling 30-14 to the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday.
The Dolphins (1-2) struggled against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 and their high-powered offense has not looked the same since losing Tua Tagovailoa in Week 2.
There is a lot on the line for both teams and this should be an interesting installment of Monday Night Football. Here are three reasons for optimism heading into this match-up.
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Dolphins quarterback situation
Who will be starting for the Dolphins this week? That is a great question and one that may not have an answer until kickoff. With Tua on injured reserve (IR) after suffering a concussion in Week 2, the Dolphins turned to back-up Skyler Thompson against the Seahawks.
Unfortunately, he left the game with a rib injury and was replaced by Tim Boyle. Though limited in practice on Thursday, there is no guarantee that he will be ready to go on Monday. If he can’t, will Boyle start or will they turn to recently signed Tyler Huntley to right their ship.
Head coach Mike McDaniel is playing his cards close to the vest. For the Titans, it should not matter who starts, their defense should have an advantage.
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DeAndre Hopkins trending up
After missing most of training camp battling a knee injury, DeAndre Hopkins was much improved in Week 3. He recorded his best game of the season with six receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown against the Packers.
Now, after another week of practice, Hopkins appears ready to take the next step in his recovery and the season and it couldn’t come at a better time for the Titans. With the offense struggling, a healthy Hopkins could help open up the running game and take pressure off quarterback Will Levis and receivers Tyler Boyd and Calvin Ridley.
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Defense should rebound
After the Week 3 debacle against the Packers, the Titans defense will be looking for redemption against the Dolphins and should face a similar attack. With the Dolphins quarterback situation in flux, the unit should be able to bounce back if they can keep running back Devon Achane in check.
They will face a tough match-up on the outside with receivers Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle, but with shaky quarterback play, the Dolphins will try to establish a running game to help open the passing game.
The defense has a favorable match-up and they can be better than they were in Week 3. This will be a great game to get back into form.