PhinPhanatic Q&A: Talking Dolphins vs. Titans with a Titans writer

The Miami Dolphins will play host to the visiting Tennessee Titans this Sunday and we took some time to discuss the game with writers who cover the Titans.

Earlier this week we reached out TitanSized.com writers Will Lomas and Matias Wodner regarding this Sunday’s Miami Dolphins home opener. Both writers were gracious with their time and gave some insight on what they expect to come out of Sunday.

Below is our conversation and question exchange, I’m Travis (Trav) Richardson and my responses to their answers and my questions are below.

With both Tennessee and Miami having QBs still trying to prove themselves as elite starters, how did Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill look this preseason?

"Will: Marcus Mariota looked good, but the offense was very limited. He hit a key 3rd down and a screen for a TD in the first game. In the second game, he was driving well with splash plays from Taywan Taylor and Dion Lewis to make the offense look more exciting. The third game was bad for everyone so it is kind of hard to tell."

Trav: Tannehill is known as being a game manager and one who won’t elevate the stats of others with his own ability. Ryan comes back after a year and a half to a new interior offensive line, new RB, and slot WR. His mobility, arm strength, and accuracy looks very good coming off the torn ACL. His accuracy and arm strength also look great. I expect Ryan to take another step forward this year even without his safety valve Jarvis Laundry. That will place him around the middle of the pack statistically with other QBs.

Again, both Tennessee and Miami have running back duos that will split carries. How are both teams planning on using their RB tandem?

"Matias: The RBs for the Titans are probably the most exciting part of the new-look team. Derrick Henry will finally be able to carry the load and prove he can consistently churn out big gains. Dion Lewis can give the offense a dynamic it hasn’t had in possibly ever as a lightning-quick receiving threat out of the backfield. Lewis is going to play on nearly every third down situation, unless it’s 3rd and 2 or less in a possible running situation. He will also be in during two-minute drills and when Tennessee needs to make up points late in games. Henry will easily lead the team in carries, particularly in the red zone and at the goal line."

Trav: Kenyon Drake is the new Ferrari while Frank Gore is the 1967 Mustang. I anticipate Drake getting the bulk of the carries with Frank coming in on 3rd and short and goal-line, as he is superior running in between guards. If Drake stays healthy and improves on his talent from the end of last year, Drake could be a top RB the next three years and will become the premier back.

Coach Vrabel of the Titans was on record saying he changed his game plan after the Dolphins signed Luke Falk, as he expects him to give info to Miami’s brass. Do you view this signing as Miami trying to obtain intel or was it a signing based on talent?

"Will: No offense to Falk, but based off of what Titans fans saw in preseason, the only reason a team would sign him to an active roster is that they were looking for intel."

Trav: In Miami we call this Billichecking. Would Miami bring in another player for the sole purpose in obtaining game plan information? I wouldn’t put it past Gase to do something like that, as most coaches have done it at one point or the other. However, Gase did have an interest in Luke during the draft process. Miami also was not sold on either of the backup QB’s during the preseason and ended up keeping both of them, resulting in a four QB’s committee. I’m not saying Luke Falk will stick, I just think Gase has a genuine interest in him. I’m sure Adam will ask Luke a thing or two, Falk has a high football IQ reputation

Two young coaches square off for the first time. Who has the tactical advantage in this first encounter, the new coach or the 3rd year coach with a new lineup?

"Will: It is hard to say. On one hand, no one really knows what vrabel and this coaching staff will do or how aggressive they will be. Meanwhile, there are three years of film on Gase. To Miami’s credit, Gase is now a seasoned coach with a better handle on when to call timeouts, how to run two minute drives, etc."

Trav: Coach Vrabel has been around the league for a few years. I wouldn’t consider him a new kid on the block in regards to game plan tactics. However, new head coaches do have the advantage of a thin binder for opposing teams to learn from. Gase has repeatedly said he has the group of guys he has wanted and that he can move forward with his offensive up-tempo strategy. I still give the advantage to the brand new coach, however, as history has shown that new coaches with NFL experience have more success at the beginning and struggle when other teams adapt further along the season.

When addressing the opposing offense, what weapons worry you?

"Matias: Ryan Tannehill has shown to be able to throw a nice deep ball, but he tends to lean a bit conservative on most downs. The worries, in my opinion, are Kenyan Drake and Kenny Stills. Stills is one of the most underrated receivers in the league, due to his ability to beat corners at nearly every level of the field. Drake is a matchup nightmare for any linebacker, as his shiftiness and ability to create after contact through the ground or air can move the chains for Miami consistently."

Trav: Henry and Mariota. Miami have ALWAYS struggled with mobile QB’s as our linebackers and EDGE rushers have had lane discipline issues. Miami has new young LB’s and EDGE rushers that are super raw as well. Marcus could present issues via extending plays if not contained. The other side to that coin is the void Ndamukong Suh left to the interior of the defensive line. A big body like Derrick Henry could be a massive issue (pun intended) to the patch work d-line and new LB core.

6) What are two rookies or new signings you are most looking forward to seeing play?

"Matias: I’ve already mentioned Lewis, but I can’t wait to see how he is used within Matt LaFleur’s offense. His pass-catching skills, quickness and ability to work through contact could make him a vital chess piece within the offense. Edge rusher Harold Landry is the most exciting Titans rookie from this year’s class, but he’s currently dealing with an ankle injury. If he plays, he will be one to keep an eye on, as his ability to bend when pass rushing is unrivaled by nearly everyone expect Von Miller."

Trav: Henry and Mariota. Miami have ALWAYS struggled with mobile QB’s as our linebackers and EDGE rushers have had lane discipline issues. Miami has new young LB’s and EDGE rushers that are super raw as well. Marcus could present issues via extending plays if not contained. The other side to that coin is the void Ndamukong Suh left to the interior of the defensive line. A big body like Derrick Henry could be a massive issue (pun intended) to the patch work d-line and new LB core.

7) Finally, what is the final score prediction?

Will: 28-13 Titans
Matias: 24-20 Titans
Trav: 24-14 Dolphins