Mason Rudolph Leads Titans to 31-12 Victory Over Dolphins

In an impressive comeback effort, Mason Rudolph stepped up for the Tennessee Titans, guiding them to a 31-12 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. This win marks the Titans’ first of the season, occurring after starter Will Levis left the game with a shoulder injury.

Game Overview

Mason Rudolph took the helm after Levis sustained a right shoulder injury on a scramble. Despite only throwing for 85 yards and completing 9 of 17 passes, Rudolph effectively managed the game and led seven scoring drives. “I didn’t do a whole lot, that’s for sure,” Rudolph acknowledged, crediting the offensive line and running backs for their dominant performance.

Nick Folk was instrumental in the Titans’ scoring, successfully kicking five field goals from distances of 53, 52, 47, 51, and 29 yards. The Titans also found the end zone with a 7-yard touchdown run from Tyjae Spears and a 4-yard touchdown from Tony Pollard, who rushed for 88 yards on 22 carries.

Levis’ Injury and Coaching Decisions

Levis, who attempted just four passes before his injury, finished the game with 25 yards and an interception. Head coach Brian Callahan noted that Levis attempted to return but was ultimately held out due to pain and the upcoming bye week, prioritizing his long-term health.

Callahan expressed confidence in the game plan, stating, “I knew the style of game we needed to play to win this game.” His strategy paid off as the Titans rushed for a total of 142 yards, controlling the game tempo and allowing Rudolph to focus on managing the clock.

Struggles for the Dolphins

On the other side, the Dolphins (1-3) continued to struggle without their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who remains sidelined with a concussion. Tyler Huntley, signed off Baltimore’s practice squad, was named the starter just days before the game. He managed 96 yards passing and scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run, but his performance was marked by challenges. Huntley was intercepted during a two-point conversion attempt, and the Dolphins’ offense struggled throughout the game.

The Dolphins’ inability to sustain drives was evident, with star receiver Tyreek Hill being held to just 23 yards on four catches. Huntley admitted the need for deeper understanding of the offense, stating, “I got to dig in deeper and just know the ins and outs of the offense.”

Defensive Highlights and Miscues

The Titans’ defense capitalized on key mistakes from the Dolphins, including the first takeaway of the season when Huntley’s backward pass to Hill was ruled a fumble. This recovery marked a turning point for Tennessee, who entered the game with a challenging -7 turnover differential.

Additionally, the Dolphins’ offense was plagued by uncharacteristic errors, such as multiple motion penalties and dropped passes, further hampering their ability to score.

Conclusion

The Titans’ victory over the Dolphins showcases a resilient team effort, especially in light of Levis’ injury. With Rudolph at the helm and strong contributions from both the offense and defense, the Titans demonstrated they could adapt and overcome challenges. As they head into their bye week, they will look to build on this momentum and prepare for the rest of the season.