If the Miami Dolphins are going to save their season, they will have to have to knock off the Tennessee Titans Sunday.
Dolphins vs. Titans 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Dolphins are fighting to save their season, and the Titans may be fighting for head coach Ken Whisenhunt’s job.
It's been a tumultuous campaign so far for the 1-3 Dolphins, who fired head coach Joe Philbin following a particularly lackluster effort against the New York Jets in London two weeks ago. The Dolphins compiled a 24-28 record under Philbin in four seasons, and appeared to be in disarray through the first quarter of the season following a major free agency spending spree. Philbin was replaced by former tight end Dan Campbell, who joined Miami's coaching staff in 2010 after an 11-year NFL career.
It will be fascinating to see how quarterback Ryan Tannehill responds after being scrutinized last week for his reported mean-spirited antics during practice. Although Tannehill denied that he made fun of their paychecks, he admitted to being a jerk to practice squad players who intercepted him two weeks ago.
That’s hardly appropriate behavior for a franchise quarterback, which is how Tannehill is paid. The Dolphins inked Tannehill to a six-year, $97 million extension in the spring, and he hasn’t lived up to the deal so far this season. Tannehill has completed just 56.7 percent of his passes for 1,080 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions in four games.
Under normal circumstances, Tannehill would probably be the biggest disappointment on the team. But that honor may belong to nose tackle Ndamukong Suh, who's recorded a mere 10 tackles so far this year with zero sacks. Suh stated the obvious Wednesday, and said he hasn't played up to his potential in Miami. Suffice to say, the Dolphins were likely expecting a lot more for their $114 million.
The 1-3 Titans are struggling as well -- they haven't won since Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They came close to another win last week, but the Buffalo Bills narrowly defeated them 14-13 when quarterback Tyrod Taylor ran for a third-quarter touchdown.
Even though the Titans are currently on a three-game losing skid, they have one of the better defenses in the league. Tennessee has allowed an NFL-low 166.5 passing yards per contest under new defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau.
Statistically speaking, it's been a solid rookie season for No. 2 pick Marcus Mariota, who's completed 63.6 percent of his passes in four games. He's thrown for 1,020 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions as well. But despite leading the league in time of possession, the Titans' offense ranks 20th in points scored. It goes to show that controlling the football is only useful if you can find the end zone.
Though the Titans have made some tangible progress through the first quarter of the season, they have gone 3-17 in two years under head coach Ken Whisenhunt. Philbin was the first coach fired this year, but if the Titans’ losing continues, Whisenhunt could soon join him.
On Sunday, the Dolphins’s goal will be to get their new head coach his first win. On the other hand, the Titans may be fighting to make sure their coach’s job isn’t in serious jeopardy.
How to Watch
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
TV: CBS
Commentators: Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker
Online: NFL Game Pass
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