The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Giants 31-16 on Sunday, but the Dolphins know they could’ve played a lot better.
Despite scoring over 30 points and combining for over 500 offensive yards, the Dolphins’ performance was far from perfect.
Buy Dolphins TicketsWe took time to grade each position group in the Dolphins’ win, from quarterback to special teams.
Quarterback: B-
Tua Tagovailoa went 22 for 30 passing for 308 yards total with two passing touchdowns and two interceptions.
His first interception was returned for a 102-yard touchdown, but Tagovailoa responded well by leading the offense in a two-minute drill to finish the half with a field goal.
Tagovailoa did a great job getting the ball out quickly and keeping himself safe.
In the third quarter, Tagovailoa found wide receiver Tyreek Hill perfectly in stride for a 69-yard touchdown.
Although he had strong statistics, Tagovailoa has proven he has the ability to play significantly better than he did on Sunday.
Running Backs: A-
De’Von Achane continued his historic rookie season with 11 carries for 151 yards, including a 76-yard rushing touchdown.
Raheem Mostert was also effective notching a rushing touchdown while averaging 6.5 yards a carry. He finished the game with ten carries for 65 yards.
The only reason the running backs don’t have an A+ is the fumbles. Both backs lost the football once today, but only Achane’s fumble resulted in a turnover.
Wide Receivers: A
Hill was his normal self, as the superstar recorded 181 yards on eight catches. His best highlight of the day was his 69-yard touchdown, which he capped off by giving the football to his mother.
Jaylen Waddle got involved early with the first touchdown of the day. Tagovailoa and Waddle may need another week or two to get on the same page, as Waddle only recorded five receptions out of his ten targets.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. got involved today with four receptions for 52 yards
Tight Ends: Incomplete
There’s not much to note from the tight ends today. No targets were recorded. I can’t say much of anything good or bad.
Offensive Line: A
After losing Terron Armstead to injured reserve earlier this week, the offensive line bounced back to dominate the game.
The group consistently opened up gaping holes for the backs to run through.
It was also great to see the group not giving up on plays and blocking downfield. It was a solid day in pass protection, as the Giants only recorded one sack.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line dominated the majority of the game totaling seven sacks.
Zach Sieler led the way with two sacks and three tackles for loss. Emmanuel Ogbah continued his resurgence with 1.5 sacks. Christian Wilkins had half a sack. Bradley Chubb finished with seven total tackles and one tackle for loss.
They also helped stifle the run game. The Giants were held to 2.9 yards per rush attempt.
Linebackers: A-
The linebacker group contributed to the overall success of the defense, in what appeared to be the Dolphins’ best defensive performance so far this season.
Jerome Baker had a solid day with 1.5 sacks and eight total tackles. David Long Jr. finished with nine total tackles.
Andrew Van Ginkel went through a Giants tackle easily to sack Daniel Jones, as his incredible start to the season continued. Arguably his best play of the day came at the end of the game when he had a crucial come-from-behind stop of Tyrod Taylor on fourth-and-3 to force a turnover on downs.
Cornerbacks: B
It’s usually a good thing when you don’t notice cornerbacks too much in a game.
While there wasn’t much flash from the group, they limited big plays and held the Giants to 183 pass yards.
Eli Apple saw more work than normal, as he led the team in solo tackles with eight.
Apple and Xavien Howard each had a pass breakup. Howard did, however, have a penalty called on him on what would have been a turnover on downs.
Safeties: B+
Similar to the cornerbacks, it’s a good thing we didn’t notice much from them today.
The highlight play of the day was Jevon Holland’s pass breakup.
DeShon Elliot played well in his return from injury.
Special Teams: C
Sunday wasn’t the best day for punter Jake Bailey, as his first punt on the day went only 20 yards.
Kicker Jason Sanders saved the special teams from getting a D grade or lower, as he made all five of his kicks, one of which was a 40-yard field goal.
