On Monday Night Football, the Tennessee Titans stunned the Miami Dolphins with an incredible late comeback, defeating them 28-27. This was one of the biggest surprises in recent memory.
With little more than four minutes remaining in the game, the Titans, who were 13.5-point underdogs, pulled off the unbelievable by scoring two touchdowns in the final seconds and converting a game-winning two-point conversion.
Epic Collapse by Dolphins After Building 27-13 Lead
After running back Raheem Mostert scored his second touchdown with 4 minutes and 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the heavily favored Dolphins appeared to be coasting to a 27-13 victory. It appeared like Miami’s lead was secure when Mostert scored twice on goals set up by Titan fumbles.
🗣️ #ProBowlVote @astronaut pic.twitter.com/frLJChIDML
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 12, 2023Nevertheless, the Dolphins were defeated by Tennessee’s late barrage of punches, in a collapse evoking the memory of Buster Douglas’ shocking upset of Mike Tyson.
Titans Score Late TD But Trail By 7 After Failed 2-Point Try
The Titans fought back, even though Miami led 27-13. Quarterback Will Levis guided Tennessee to a 7-yard touchdown throw from standout wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, capping off a 10-play, 70-yard drive.
In an effort to extend the lead to three points following the score, the Titans attempted a pass from Levi Smith but were unsuccessful. As time ran out, the Dolphins maintained a 27-19 lead.
Henry’s Go-Ahead TD Caps Epic 96-Yard Drive
The Titans were hell-bent on getting the ball back and had all three timeouts remaining. Their defensive play resulted in a Miami three-and-out, which gave Tennessee a final opportunity.
The drive began with a running play by ace running back Derrick Henry, who sprinted 34 yards from his own 4-yard line. Henry completed the remarkable 96-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run eight plays later.
Levis’ 2-Point Run The Deciding Factor in 28-27 Final
Yet Tennessee was far from finished. At 27-all, coach Mike Vrabel decided to go for two points instead of kicking the extra point. On this occasion, the quarterback drew up the middle, and Levis converted for two points and a lead of 28-27 using his legs instead of his arm.
In the final play of the game, Harold Landry sacked Tua Tagovailoa to seal the deal for Tennessee, capping off an unbelievable comeback. The Titans’ defense had previously stopped Miami on downs.
Injuries to Hill, Offensive Line Doomed Dolphins
Prior to the unlikely comeback by the Titans, the Dolphins were in complete control. Electrifying wide receiver Tyreek Hill went down with an ankle injury late in the second quarter, cutting Miami’s lead to 10-7 at halftime. Miami lost its most lethal weapon when he was not there.
Injuries to key players on the Dolphins’ offensive line also limited their second-half running and passing game, which allowed Tennessee to build momentum heading into their decisive two drives.
Harold Landry Continues Monster Season
While quarterback Will Levis and running back Derrick Henry of Tennessee were the game-changers, Miami’s offensive lineman Harold Landry made a crucial play by sacking quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on their final drive.
Including 1.5 on Monday night, Landry’s season-high 11 sacks demonstrate his extraordinary play. He scored the game-winning touchdown on a clutch sack, ending the Dolphins’ undefeated streak.
Titans Treated to Sideline Show by Country Star Keith Urban
Country music legend Keith Urban surprised the Titans with an unexpected sideline performance as they pulled off their shocking play on the field.
While the Titans were mounting their historic comeback that shocked the Dolphins and the football world, the musician, who was born in New Zealand, ripped off four of his songs.
As the Titans choreographed an epic comeback composition, Urban’s concert complemented the Nashville concept of Music City.
Levis and Vrabel Prove Mettle with Gutsy Performance
The Titans rallied from a 14-point deficit thanks to the bold decisions made by rookie quarterback Will Levis and coach Mike Vrabel, who put any questions about their abilities to rest.
Vrabel, a former player, displayed unwavering faith in his squad by electing to play to the end rather than continue into overtime.
Despite his earlier gaffes, Levis showed his gratitude by scoring in the last moments. Both showcased the composure and bravery of seasoned players under pressure.
Titans Alive in Weak AFC South After Huge Win
Aside from the obvious emotional payoff, the Titans’ win also keeps them in the thick of things in the average AFC South division. Tennessee and the Indianapolis Colts are tied for first place in the NFL with 6-3 records.
The outcome of the division is still up in the air, with two more head-to-head games between the Titans and the Colts. This victory also gives Tennessee control of the tiebreaker vs Indianapolis.