Dolphins hold off Titans in sloppy home opener

On Sunday in South Florida, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Tennessee Titans. What did we learn from this Week 5 encounter?

When the NFL schedule was released earlier this year, some were looking forward to seeing Marcus Mariota’s Tennessee Titans square off with Ryan Tannehill’s Miami Dolphins. Two young quarterbacks just looking to get better.

Welcome to the NFL. On Sunday, it was Matt Cassel in place of Mariota while veteran quarterback Jay Cutler once again got the nod for the Dolphins. And it wound up being a somewhat sloppy affair in South Florida with not a lot of offense.

But a win is a win if you are Adam Gase, whose club came up with a 16-10 triumph.

Highlights Posted Live as They Happen

Three Stars

1. Reshad Jones

He came up with the first touchdown of the game for the victorious Dolphins and did a whole lot more. Jones finished with seven tackles, one-half sack and a pair of fumble recoveries, including a 38-yard return for a score.

2. Jay Ajayi

For the second straight week, the Miami Dolphins’ defense failed to reach the end zone. But Ajayi did his part thanks to 77 yards rushing on 25 tough carries. Adam Gase’s club finished the game with exactly 100 yards on the ground in the six-point win.

3. Andre Branch

The Dolphins sacked Titans’ quarterback Matt Cassel six times. Branch had two of those quarterback traps, to go along with a pair of tackles in the defensive struggle.

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Odds

This game was off the board all week due to the uncertain status of Titans’ quarterback Marcus Mariota.

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Next Week

We shall see if Marcus Mariota is able to return next week when the Tennessee Titans host the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins have a stiff challenge next week as they take on the defending NFC champions next Sunday at Atlanta.