'MNF' takeaways: The Titans have their QB of the future
The Titans pulled off a Monday night stunner. Trailing 27-13 with less than three minutes remaining, Tennessee did the improbable. Here are our takeaways from its 28-27 win over Miami.
Will Levis is the future in Tennessee: The Titans got a steal in the 2023 NFL Draft when Levis dropped into their lap in the second round. The polarizing prospect made several outstanding plays on Monday night, including this second-quarter deep ball to wideout DeAndre Hopkins.
He had another excellent pass in the third when on a 30-yarder to running back Tyjae Spears during a drive that resulted in a field goal and a 13-10 lead for Tennessee.
Levis bounced back from an early pick-six and steadied the team following a calamitous fourth-quarter sequence when the Titans lost two fumbles inside their own red zone, leading to two Dolphins touchdowns and a 27-13 deficit.
Levis finished the game 23-of-38 for 327 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The season hasn't gone according to plan for the Titans (5-8), but at least they found their quarterback.
Tyreek Hill's importance: Miami's outstanding wide receiver fought through a lower leg injury but was clearly not 100% after a horse-collar tackle that went uncalled in the first half. Miami's offense was led by its rushing attack, although Hill still had a role in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's best pass of the night on this perfectly placed ball along the sideline.
The Dolphins weren't as explosive offensively as we've grown accustomed to them being this season, a direct link to Hill's limitations. As crucial as big plays are to Miami's offense, it's never been more obvious how much the Dolphins (9-4) need Hill healthy to win a Super Bowl.
Dolphins defense: The lesser of the two units in Miami, the Dolphins defense came away with a couple of big turnovers, but its late collapse against a rookie quarterback is concerning.
The competition will be much tougher down the stretch, with Miami ending the regular season with games against the Cowboys, Ravens and Bills.
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