Miami Dolphins spoil Randy Moss’ debut with Titans
The first step for Randy Moss in making a successful debut with the Tennessee Titans was to help the team get a win. That didn’t happen. Second on the list: have a few catches and show some synergy with
your new quarterbacks Vince Young and Kerry Collins. That didn’t happen either.
But third team is a charm right? All signs would have to point to no as the Miami Dolphins defeated the Titans 27-19 on Sunday at Sun Life Stadium.
The Tennessee Titans were looking for some of that “Randy Moss magic” to keep pace in the play-off hunt, but the rabbit never came out of the hat. Instead, in his first game with his third team in the
2010 NFL regular season, Moss was once again a non-factor.
"I just want to fit within the offence and help this team win," Moss said. "If me being a decoy and moving the ball and helping the team win is what I need to do, that's what I need to do."
But don’t put the blame solely on Moss’ shoulders as Young and Collins could not muster anything in the passing game, combining for a messily 141 yards through the air. Collins got the start and only threw
for 51 yards before being replaced by Young after sustaining a calf injury. Running-back Chris Johnson scored Tennessee’s lone first-half touchdown on a 17-yard run.
Moss challenged himself to play better against the Dolphins the second time around—or at least make one reception. The last time Moss faced Miami, he had zero catches and was released by the New England
Patriots shortly after. On Sunday Moss had one reception for 26 yards.
Miami led the game 13-10 when Young entered and things went in a downward spiral shortly after. Young was sacked on his first play and fumbled the ball on the next snap. Miami cashed that turnover into
points with Patrick Cobbs finding the end zone to put the Dolphins ahead by 10.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington, got his first start since week three of last season with Chad Henne struggling as of late. But on the Dolphins’ third offensive play, Pennington went down with
a right shoulder injury. He did not return. Henne got another chance to prove that he should be the starter and did a good job taking what the defence gave him. He went 19 for 28 for 240 yards and one touchdown.
His favourite receiver was Anthony Fasano, who hauled in five receptions 107 yards and a major. But Henne would not finish the game as he hurt his knee in the third quarter.
Miami had to rely on their third-string quarterback Tyler Thigpen to end the game. Thigpen completed four of six passes for 64 yards and a touchdown.
"I knew I had to take advantage of my opportunity to help my team win," Thigpen said. "It wasn't about my stats; it was about getting us in the end zone and winning the game."
The win improves the Dolphins’ record to 5-4 and they finally earned their first win at home this season.
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