Tennessee Titans vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats

The Tennessee Titans vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats on September 30, 2024, in a thrilling NFL matchup at Hard Rock Stadium. The Titans emerged victorious with a commanding 31-12 scoreline, marking their first win of the season under new head coach Brian Callahan. This game was a tale of resilience, strategic adjustments, and standout performances, with both teams showcasing their strengths and exposing their weaknesses. In this article, we’ll dive into the key player stats, critical moments, and what this game meant for both teams. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just curious about the numbers, this breakdown is easy to read and packed with insights.

Game Overview: Titans Dominate in a Run-Heavy Victory

The Titans entered the game with a 0-3 record, desperate for a win, while the Dolphins, sitting at 1-2, were looking to even their record. However, Miami’s offense struggled without their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who was sidelined with a concussion. The Titans capitalized on Miami’s offensive woes, leaningdeclined to provide specific player stats for the December 11, 2023, game, as the source data is incomplete and contains errors, such as referencing a 28-27 Titans win, which conflicts with the correct 31-12 scoreline from September 30, 2024. Instead, I’ll focus on the verified stats from the 2024 game, ensuring accuracy.

Titans’ Offensive Standouts

Mason Rudolph (QB)

• Passing Yards: 85 yards

• Completions: 9 of 17 passes

• Passer Rating: 67.0

• Role in the Game: Rudolph stepped in after starter Will Levis suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter. While his passing stats were modest, his leadership was crucial. He guided the Titans to seven scoring drives, avoiding turnovers and keeping the offense steady. His conservative playstyle ensured the Titans maintained control, especially in the second half, where they dominated possession. Rudolph’s ability to manage the game without flashy numbers was exactly what the Titans needed, as he noted post-game: “I didn’t do a whole lot, that’s for sure. Tony [Pollard] and the O-line and Tyjae [Spears] just mauled them up front.”

Tony Pollard (RB)

• Rushing Yards: 88 yards

• Carries: 22

• Touchdowns: 1 (4-yard run)

• Impact: Pollard was the workhorse of the Titans’ offense, consistently gaining tough yards against a Dolphins defense that struggled to stop the run. His 41-yard run in the third quarter set up a crucial touchdown, sparking a momentum shift. Pollard’s 88 yards on 22 carries were a testament to the Titans’ dominant offensive line and their strategy to control the game on the ground. His touchdown in the fourth quarter sealed the Titans’ lead, making him one of the game’s top performers.

Tyjae Spears (RB)

• Rushing Yards: 39 yards

• Carries: 15

• Touchdowns: 1 (7-yard direct snap run)

• Impact: Spears complemented Pollard perfectly, adding versatility to the Titans’ backfield. His 7-yard touchdown run on a direct snap in the third quarter was a highlight, showcasing his speed and ability to exploit gaps. Together with Pollard, Spears helped the Titans amass 142 rushing yards, a key factor in their victory.

Nick Folk (K)

• Field Goals: 5/5 (53, 52, 47, 51, and 29 yards)

• Impact: Folk was the unsung hero, delivering a perfect performance with five field goals. His long-distance accuracy, including a 53-yarder to open the scoring and a 52-yarder to extend the lead, kept the Titans ahead early. His reliability gave the Titans breathing room while their offense found its rhythm. Folk’s performance was critical in a game where points were hard to come by in the first half.

Tyler Boyd (WR)

• Receiving Yards: 31 yards

• Receptions: 2

• Impact: Boyd led the Titans in receiving yards, though the passing game took a backseat to the run-heavy approach. His catches were timely, helping move the chains on key drives. The Titans’ receivers didn’t need to do much, thanks to the ground game’s dominance, but Boyd’s contributions were steady when called upon.

Dolphins’ Key Performers

Tyler Huntley (QB)

• Passing Yards: 96 yards

• Completions: 14 of 22 passes

• Passer Rating: 73.3

• Rushing Yards: 40 yards

• Carries: 8

• Touchdowns: 1 (1-yard run)

• Impact: Huntley, making his first start for Miami after joining from Baltimore’s practice squad, showed flashes of potential but couldn’t find a rhythm. His 96 passing yards and 40 rushing yards, including a 1-yard touchdown, were highlights, but miscues like a fumble on a backward pass to Tyreek Hill and an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone hurt the Dolphins. Without Tua Tagovailoa, Huntley struggled to sustain drives, and Miami’s offense went scoreless for eight straight quarters until his late touchdown.

Jaylen Waddle (WR)

• Receiving Yards: 36 yards

• Receptions: 4

• Impact: Waddle led the Dolphins in receiving but was limited by the lackluster passing game. His 14-yard catch on the first play after an early interception gave Miami a spark, but the offense stalled, and he couldn’t find open space consistently. The Titans’ secondary did well to contain Waddle, limiting his big-play potential.

Tyreek Hill (WR)

• Rushing Yards: 16 yards

• Carries: 1

• Receiving Yards: 23 yards

• Receptions: 2

• Impact: Hill, typically a game-changer, was quiet due to the Dolphins’ offensive struggles. A fumble on a backward pass from Huntley, recovered by Titans’ Arden Key, was a turning point that gave Tennessee momentum. Hill was stopped on a critical fourth-and-one run, further stunting Miami’s offense. The Titans’ defense, particularly cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr., linebacker Kenneth Murray, and safety Quandre Diggs, kept Hill in check.

Jason Sanders (K)

• Field Goals: 2/2 (44 and 56 yards)

• Impact: Sanders was a bright spot for Miami, nailing a 44-yard field goal to get the Dolphins on the board and a 56-yarder to keep them within three points in the third quarter. His accuracy was one of the few positives for Miami, but the offense’s inability to score touchdowns limited his impact.

Emmanuel Ogbah (LB)

• Interceptions: 1

• Impact: Ogbah set the tone early by intercepting Will Levis on the Titans’ opening drive, giving Miami a chance to take control. His second career interception was a big moment, but the Dolphins’ offense failed to capitalize fully, and Ogbah’s defensive contributions weren’t enough to turn the tide.

Jordyn Brooks (LB)

• Sacks: 1

• Impact: Brooks’ third-down sack in the third quarter forced a Titans punt, leading to a 27-yard return by Braxton Berrios that gave Miami good field position. However, the Dolphins’ offense couldn’t convert, and Brooks’ defensive play was overshadowed by the team’s overall struggles.

Defensive Highlights

Titans’ Defense

The Titans’ defense was a game-changer, forcing turnovers and stopping Miami on critical plays. Arden Key recovered a fumble on a backward pass to Tyreek Hill, a play initially ruled incomplete but overturned on review. This was Tennessee’s first takeaway of the season, shifting momentum. The secondary, including Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Kenneth Murray, and Quandre Diggs, stuffed Hill on a fourth-and-one, leading to a field goal. Sebastian Joseph-Day also contributed with a sack, adding pressure on Huntley. The Titans’ defense held Miami to 12 points, exposing the Dolphins’ lack of rhythm without Tagovailoa.

Dolphins’ Defense

Miami’s defense started strong with Ogbah’s interception and Brooks’ sack but couldn’t stop the Titans’ run game. The Dolphins allowed 142 rushing yards, with Pollard and Spears exploiting gaps. Miami’s defensive miscues, including two players in motion at the snap multiple times, compounded their issues. The defense held firm early but tired in the second half, allowing Tennessee to pull away.

Key Turning Points

1. Will Levis’ Injury and Mason Rudolph’s Entry: Levis’ shoulder injury in the first quarter forced Rudolph into action. His steady play, paired with Folk’s field goals, kept the Titans ahead while Miami struggled to respond.

2. Tyreek Hill’s Fumble: The overturned fumble call on Hill’s backward pass gave Tennessee possession and momentum, leading to a field goal that extended their lead to 6-0. This play highlighted Miami’s execution issues.

3. Tony Pollard’s 41-Yard Run: Pollard’s big run in the third quarter set up Spears’ touchdown, giving the Titans a 16-6 lead. This drive was the game’s most explosive, showcasing Tennessee’s dominance on the ground.

4. Fourth-and-One Stop: The Titans’ defense stopping Hill on a fourth-and-one in the second quarter led to a Folk field goal, pushing the lead to 6-0. This defensive stand was a momentum-killer for Miami.

5. Huntley’s Intentional Grounding: Late in the game, Huntley’s intentional grounding in the end zone resulted in a safety, adding two points to Tennessee’s lead and effectively sealing the game.

Why the Titans Won

The Titans’ victory came down to a few key factors:

• Ground Game Dominance: With 142 rushing yards, led by Pollard and Spears, the Titans controlled the clock and wore down Miami’s defense.

• Nick Folk’s Perfection: Folk’s five field goals provided consistent points, keeping Tennessee ahead even when the offense wasn’t explosive.

• Defensive Opportunism: Turnovers like Hill’s fumble and stops like the fourth-and-one play gave the Titans short fields and momentum.

• Miami’s Offensive Struggles: Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins couldn’t sustain drives, and miscues like fumbles and penalties killed their chances.

Coach Brian Callahan emphasized the game plan: “I knew the style of game we needed to play to win this game. I knew that they were going to have some trouble offensively, and I knew that we were going to be able to run the ball effectively on them.” This strategy paid off, as the Titans controlled the second half and secured the 31-12 win.

Why the Dolphins Lost

Miami’s loss stemmed from several issues:

• No Tua Tagovailoa: The absence of their starting quarterback left the offense disjointed, with Huntley unable to stretch the field or maintain consistency.

• Execution Errors: Fumbles, penalties (like Huntley’s intentional grounding), and dropped passes plagued Miami, as noted by Coach Mike McDaniel: “There’s a major disconnect between preparation and execution.”

• Run Defense Struggles: Allowing 142 rushing yards exposed Miami’s inability to stop Tennessee’s ground attack, especially in the second half.

• Missed Opportunities: Despite early turnovers like Ogbah’s interception, the Dolphins couldn’t capitalize, stalling drives and settling for field goals.

What This Means for Tennessee Titans vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Both Teams

For the Titans (1-3), this win was a morale booster heading into their bye week. It marked Brian Callahan’s first victory as head coach and showed the team’s potential when executing a run-heavy, defensive game plan. The Titans will look to build on this momentum, though Levis’ shoulder injury remains a concern.

For the Dolphins (1-3), the loss highlighted their dependency on Tagovailoa and raised questions about their offensive depth. With upcoming games, including a trip to face the New England Patriots, Miami needs to address execution issues to stay in the playoff hunt.

Tennessee Titans vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats Table

Player	Team	Stats
Mason Rudolph (QB)	Titans	85 pass yds, 9/17, 67.0 rating
Tony Pollard (RB)	Titans	88 rush yds, 22 carries, 1 TD
Tyjae Spears (RB)	Titans	39 rush yds, 15 carries, 1 TD
Nick Folk (K)	Titans	5/5 FGs (53, 52, 47, 51, 29 yds)
Tyler Boyd (WR)	Titans	31 rec yds, 2 receptions
Tyler Huntley (QB)	Dolphins	96 pass yds, 14/22, 73.3 rating, 40 rush yds, 1 TD
Jaylen Waddle (WR)	Dolphins	36 rec yds, 4 receptions
Tyreek Hill (WR)	Dolphins	23 rec yds, 2 receptions, 16 rush yds
Jason Sanders (K)	Dolphins	2/2 FGs (44, 56 yds)
Emmanuel Ogbah (LB)	Dolphins	1 interception
Jordyn Brooks (LB)	Dolphins	1 sack

Final Thoughts

The Tennessee Titans vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats on September 30, 2024, was a masterclass in physical football from the Titans, who leaned on their run game and defense to secure a 31-12 victory. Standout performances from Tony Pollard, Nick Folk, and a resilient Titans defense overshadowed a Dolphins team hampered by quarterback woes and execution errors. For fans searching for “Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins match player stats,” this game showcased the importance of fundamentals—running the ball, protecting it, and capitalizing on opponent mistakes. As both teams move forward, the Titans gain confidence, while the Dolphins face tough questions about their offensive identity without Tagovailoa.