The Titans get their first win of the season with a run-intensive attack against the Dolphins: Key takeaways

In a battle of backup quarterbacks, Mason Rudolph led the Tennessee Titans to their first win of the season on Monday, defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-12 at Hard Rock Stadium.

Rudolph entered the game early in the first quarter after starter Will Levis injured his shoulder on a first down on the Titans’ second drive. Levis’ return was deemed questionable and he remained on the sidelines but did not return to the game.

Will Levis appeared to be feeling some discomfort after that game and was examined in the medical tent.

He has since been replaced by Mason Rudolph. pic.twitter.com/QKPjeiB37S

– ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2024

Tennessee relied on its ground game and kicker Nick Folk to put up points. Running backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard scored the Titans’ two touchdowns, while Folk matched his career high with five successful field goals. Three of those were from 51 yards or more.

Without Tua Tagovailoa or Skylar Thompson, the Dolphins turned to Tyler “Snoop” Huntley, who struggled to lead Mike McDaniel’s complicated offense and finished the game with 96 yards on 14 of 22 passes.

The Dolphins managed just six points without field goals until Huntley sneaked into the end zone in the game’s final minutes. On the ensuing two-point attempt, Titans safety Quandre Diggs fended off Huntley, then an intentional grounding penalty resulted in a safety that nullified the comeback attempt.

Rookie DT stands out for the Titans defense on comeback night

The Titans’ star designated player on defense, Jeffery Simmons, missed the game with an elbow injury, but his protégé filled in more than capably. T’Vondre Sweat, a second-round pick from Texas, showed everything he had to lead a strong defensive performance.

Yes, the defensive effort was helped by the Dolphins’ complete inability to throw the ball alongside Huntley. But the Titans were completely at the mercy of the Dolphins’ varied rushing attack a week after their failure against Green Bay and backup Malik Willis. The focus was on sweat. Additionally, the Titans eventually forced a turnover — a gift from Huntley on a reverse pass. But it counts. — Joe Rexrode, Titans writer

Stick with what works

Regardless of who plays quarterback, the Titans must run the ball. Pollard is one of the Titans’ best players and Spears is a good one. RB1 and RB2 were barely used in last week’s loss to Green Bay – eight combined runs, 21 yards. Monday’s game set what the offensive blueprint should be the rest of the way because both are playmakers and because the Titans’ offensive line is much better when it can impose its will instead of being exposed in obvious passing situations. Pollard and Spears combined for 127 yards on 37 carries, with Pollard scoring 88 of them and a touchdown.

41 yards for @Tp__5!

📺: Watch #TENvsMIA To @ESPNNFL Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4J22bogB2W

– Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 1, 2024

Spears scored a touchdown on a wildcat snap while both were on the field faking Pollard. Each also caught two passes. — Rexrode

Required reading

(Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)