Miami Dolphins to open the 2018 season against the Tennessee Titans
By George Keim
Are you ready for some football? The Miami Dolphins will kick off their 2018 season this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans.
The 2018 version of the Miami Dolphins will be on display this Sunday. Tennessee comes to town following a 9-7 record in 2017 that concluded with a playoff appearance. The Titans went on the road and won their wild card round game against the Kansas City Chiefs 22-21, but lost to long time AFC bully, the New England Patriots in the divisional round.
The Titans come in after a less than impressive 0-4 preseason. The Titans produced a mere 40 points (10 pts/game) in the preseason. While acknowledging these are preseason numbers, I do think the Titans will struggle to score points at times.
Marcus Mariota will lead what looks to be a run heavy offense this year in Tennessee. The Titans will once again come at teams with a two (or more) headed attack in the running game. Last year’s leading rusher, Derrick Henry will carry the load on the early downs. He’ll likely be replaced in passing situations by Dolphins killer and former Patriot, Dion Lewis, who signed as a free agent this past off-season. Mariota also brings the running element to the offense. Last season he rushed for 312 yards while posting a career best 5 rushing touchdowns, via Titansonline.com
Tennessee’s passing game is not considered dynamic. They return their top two receiving threats from last season in TE Delanie Walker and former Dolphin WR Rishard Matthews. The Titans hope that 2nd year WR Corey Davis can improve on his 34 catch 375 rookie season.
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The Titans could be bringing a formidable defense to Miami. Last season the Tennessee Titans ranked 13th overall in yards allowed per game. The Titans were stout against the run. finishing 4th overall, giving up just 88 yds per game. via ESPN.com The Titans went out in free agency and signed Super Bowl pariah Malcolm Butler to help bolster their pass defense. Last season the Titans 25th ranked passing defense gave up 239 yds per game, via ESPN.com
The biggest question may be, will new coach Mike Vrabel be successful in bringing the “Patriot way” to Tennessee or will he be another in the long list of failed New England assistant coaches who struggled upon leaving the Evil Empire.