Titans at Dolphins
Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Fla.,
Sunday, Nov. 7

AT A GLANCE: The Titans, coming off a 24-21 win over previously unbeaten St. Louis, face another stern test as they visit the Dolphins. This game could play an important role in the playoff race, since both teams enter with 6-1 records.

Anyone who wonders about the importance of a backup quarterback need only ask the Titans and Dolphins. Both teams sport 6-1 records thanks in large part to the efforts of their backups.

Tennessee’s Neil O’Donnell provided stellar fill-in work for several games before returning to the bench last week as Steve McNair returned to action. McNair guided the Titans to a 24-21 home win over the previously unbeaten Rams, throwing two TD passes and running for another score. McNair looked healthy but struggled to get the ball to his outside receivers in his first game back.

Miami is currently without longtime franchise QB Dan Marino (neck/shoulder), but backup Damon Huard has led the Dolphins to three straight wins. Huard does not have the quick release Marino is known for, but the youngster does have much more mobility than the lead-footed Marino. The Dolphins want Huard to avoid the killer mistake, so they don’t ask him to make the big play in the passing game that often.

The Dolphins have won three straight meetings between these franchises, each by three points.

WHEN THE TITANS HAVE THE BALL:

Tennessee wants to throw the ball deep more, and McNair has the arm to do it. Yancey Thigpen and Kevin Dyson have the ability to make plays down the field, but those have been few and far between so far. As a result, the Titans are left with a dink-and-dunk passing game that mostly uses the backs and tight ends.

The Dolphins’ defense is deep, athletic and aggressive. The Titans used screen plays effectively vs. an overeager Rams defense last week. If Tennessee uses the same tactic in this game, MLB Zach Thomas, who leads the Dolphins in passes defensed, will have to recover quickly to the ball.

Many of Miami’s opponents have concentrated on the short passing game because of the coverage skills of Dolphins CBs Terrell Buckley, Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain. That trio plays aggressive man-on-man coverage that allows the rest of the "D" freedom to roam.