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topicnews · September 29, 2024

Four things to watch for on Monday in Titans-Dolphins, Seahawks-Lions on ESPN and NFL+

Four things to watch for on Monday in Titans-Dolphins, Seahawks-Lions on ESPN and NFL+

  • WHERE: Hard Rock Stadium | Miami Gardens, Florida
  • WHEN: 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes, NFL+

1) Levis’ mistakes must stop. A key storyline in each of the Titans’ three losses was quarterback Will Levis’ difficulty controlling the ball, with rash decisions and costly turnovers leaving points on the board. He had two interceptions and a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Bears in Week 1 and then a fumble near the goal line against the Jets. There was another pick-six last week against the Packers Jaire Alexander. In total, he has four touchdown passes and five interceptions – the latter already more than his 2023 total – and has also recorded a fumble in each of the first three games. It didn’t help that Levis faced near-constant pressure and the offensive line ranked second to last in sacks allowed (15). Levis wants to turn over a new leaf and give his team its first win and hopes that the venue for Monday’s game can prove fortunate. The Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium was not only the site of the Titans QB’s final win in Week 14 last season, but also one of his best performances in the NFL. Levis led two touchdown drives in the final five minutes to overcome a 14-point deficit and secure the comeback win, 28-27, which was also his only 300-yard effort in 12 starts.

2) Hill needs to get over the hill with backup QB. Miami’s quarterback situation will undoubtedly have a big impact on how Monday’s game turns out, but regardless of who is under center, getting Tyreek Hill going after star wide receiver would certainly help has been unusual in the last two weeks. After a 2023 season in which Hill flirted with becoming the first receiver with over 2,000 yards in a season, Hill’s first game with Tagovailoa throwing to him was more similar with 130 yards. But in Week 2 against the Bills he was stifled and had just 24 yards, his lowest total since 2022, and last week with Thompson he was only slightly better with 40 yards. When Tagovailoa missed four games in 2022, Hill had 55 or fewer receiving yards in three of those contests, a trend that may not continue this time if the Dolphins want to win while Tagovailoa recovers. With Tagovailoa out until at least Week 8, Hill will have to find a way to get back in shape to help his team win, even if his usual quarterback isn’t available.