Down two QBs, Thigpen leads Dolphins over Titans

MIAMI - When injuries sidelined two quarterbacks, the Miami Dolphins went without, resorting to the Wildcat. Then third-stringer Tyler Thigpen came off the bench to seal a bizarre victory.

Anything-goes play-calling Sunday helped compensate for the loss of Chad Pennington and Chad Henne as the Dolphins beat the Tennessee Titans, 29-17.

"They beat us with basically no quarterbacks," Titans defensive tackle Jovan Hayes said.

"That's the thing about this game - anything can happen," Dolphins receiver Davone Bess said. "It's all a matter of how you react and deal with it."

Miami (5-4) achieved a season-high point total despite the revolving door at QB, and defense helped, too. Randy Moss managed only one catch in his first game with the Titans (5-4), and takeaways by Miami led to two touchdowns.

Pennington suffered a right shoulder injury that could be career-ending, and Henne was on crutches after the game with a left knee injury. The Wildcat proved a capable substitute, netting 49 yards in seven snaps. And Thigpen - summoned for the first time this season - led an 85-yard touchdown drive for the game's final points.

"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."

Miami plays again Thursday against Chicago, and the short week increases the likelihood that Thigpen will start that game.

Miami snapped a five-game home losing streak, including three losses this season. "It's huge getting this win," coach Tony Sparano said. "This is November. If you don't win in November, you've got no chance."