The Titans head to Miami for their only prime-time appearance Monday night to face a beat-up Dolphins team that has nearly as many problems as Tennessee.
First, the Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is on injured reserve, and backup Skylar Thompson exited Sunday’s loss to Seattle with an injury. Here is a look at what the Titans need to do Monday night.
First down
Take care of the football. Will Levis has been a turnover machine in the first three games, losing the football eight times on five interceptions and three sack/fumbles. That cannot continue if the Titans are to have any hope of winning a football game. The Titans probably need to revert back to a simple game plan that gives Levis safe throws and then max protect him to try and avoid the problematic turnovers.
Second down
Find a takeaway. The Titans still have only one takeaway, courtesy of a muffed kickoff in the season opener. The defense has yet to sniff a turnover, something this team desperately needs if it is going to find the win column anytime soon.
Third down
Take advantage of the situation of the Dolphins’ mess at quarterback. Whether it’s Thompson, Tim Boyle, Tyler Huntley or 80-year-old Bob Griese under center for Miami, the Titans have to take advantage of battling a backup QB, something they failed to do with Malik Willis.
Fourth down
Play with confidence. The Titans seem to be losing confidence as they struggle in the early part of the season. And that’s not hard to understand why. The turnovers and mounting losses, coupled with struggles on defense and special teams has not been a winning formula. That is where Brian Callahan and his staff have to dig deep this week and pick this team’s morale up in the wake of the 0-3 start.