The Miami Dolphins will begin the second quarter of their season against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Miami and Tennessee enter the game with identical 1-3 records and in need of a victory. Falling to 1-4 could make turning around the season an improbable task and makes this a game neither team can afford to lose.
Running games should be on display in this contest and that could result in a close and low-scoring affair. Unfortunately for Miami, the stats on the season would put it at a disadvantage in this scenario. The Titans have averaged 127 yards on the ground per game this season. Miami by comparison has only averaged 78 rushing yards.
With Arian Foster doubtful for the game, finding rushing yards will remain a problem for the Dolphins. Jay Ajayi should see the bulk of rushing plays, but he has yet to stand out from the crowd this season. The Dolphins have had trouble getting much going on their offensive chances and have been thoroughly dominated in time of possession.
With extra time off due to a Thursday game in their last contest, the Dolphins should have fresh bodies. However, those bodies are limited to reserves in some spots. Besides Foster, Miami will be without Jordan Cameron, Koa Misi and Xavien Howard.
For Ryan Tannehill, the loss of Cameron stings almost as much as not having Foster on the field. Tannehill's arm has been relied on for comeback attempts due to the lack of a running game. Without Cameron, Miami's quarterback has one less dependable piece on the other end of his passes. Tannehill has struggled this season with nearly as many interceptions (5) as touchdown passes (6) and has a 87.3 QB rating.
Sunday's game will start at 1:00 p.m.
