Say it any method you need — the Dolphins (3-0) are undefeated, in first place within the AFC East, the one staff within the AFC with an ideal report — and it nonetheless doesn’t precisely seize what Miami has finished thus far this season.
The crowning achievement up to now has been Sunday’s 21-19 victory over Buffalo. But that unimaginable 42-38 comeback victory at Baltimore was fairly darn spectacular. And coach Mike McDaniel beginning his profession by main the Dolphins to a 20-7 victory over New England and coach Bill Belichick was cool, too.
Still, knocking off Buffalo — the staff that had a seven-game successful streak on the Dolphins, was favored by most to win the division and favored by many to go to the Super Bowl — was particular.
Passing sport: A
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13 for 18, 186 yards, one landing, 123.8 passer ranking) got here by way of with some huge performs, most notably the 11-yard move he zipped to huge receiver River Cracraft and the 45-yard deep move he dropped into Jaylen Waddle’s palms. And he confirmed toughness with the top/again damage. Waddle (4 receptions, 102 yards) led the best way statistically, however Tyreek Hill (two receptions, 33 yards), Durham Smythe (three receptions, 23 yards) and Cracraft (one reception, 11 yards, landing) performed roles. Pass safety solely allowed one sack regardless of rotating proper tackles at one level. There was at the least one dropped move, however total it was a robust, well timed efficiency.
Running sport: C
Chase Edmonds (six carries, 21 yards, together with an 8-yard carry) had two touchdowns, which is the saving issue right here. Raheem Mostert (eight carries, 11 yards, together with a 9-yard carry) didn’t do a lot. The Dolphins solely had 41 yards dashing on 17 carries, which is 2.4 yards per carry. Granted, the Dolphins solely ran 43 performs. But you’d prefer to see extra manufacturing, contemplating Buffalo was lacking a few run-stuffing defensive tackles in Ed Oliver and Jordan Phillips. Still, the working sport participated in a successful effort.
Defending the move: B
Bills quarterback Josh Allen (42 of 63, 400 yards, two touchdowns) was fairly good. But Miami’s protection was even higher amongst its 4 sacks, 9 passes defended and 10 quarterback hits. Cornerback Xavien Howard saved Stefon Diggs (seven receptions, 74 yards) beneath management, and fellow cornerback Nik Needham performed an exhausting 90 of 92 snaps (98%). Safety Jevon Holland (10 tackles, 1.5 sacks) was the one defender to play all 92 snaps. Melvin Ingram had 2.0 sacks. Allen did some harm, however he had 63 makes an attempt, for goodness sake. The Dolphins protection was higher than Allen.
Defending the run: B
Buffalo rushed for 115 yards on 23 carries, which is 5.0 yards per carry. The numbers don’t look nice, however the run protection wasn’t unhealthy. Running again Zack Moss (4 carries, 46 yards) had a 43-yard run that boosted the statistics. But he was ineffective in any other case. Allen (eight carries, 47 yards, 5.9 ypc) did the heavy lifting for the Bills’ floor sport. The Dolphins’ entrance seven, led by linebacker Jerome Baker (team-best 13 tackles), was lively all day. Safety Brandon Jones (9 tackles) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (eight tackles) have been additionally good.
Special groups: C-
Obviously the “butt punt” — punter Thomas Morstead punted from his personal finish zone and hit huge receiver Trent Sherfield’s butt earlier than the ball bounced out of bounds for a security — is the memorable event right here, and it might have misplaced the sport if not for a robust defensive stand. Otherwise, it was a very good displaying that included punts downed on the Bills’ 2-, 12- and 20-yard strains. The Dolphins didn’t try a discipline aim and their kickoff and punt protection models have been first rate.
Coaching: A
The Dolphins, for the third consecutive week, have been ready and excited to play. Those are good first steps while you plan to win. Coach McDaniel and offensive coordinator Frank Smith proceed displaying offensive selection whereas defensive coordinator Josh Boyer is overseeing a unit that frequently makes performs. The Dolphins have not often been caught off guard, even by Buffalo’s 63 move makes an attempt. Game plans are strong and in-game changes are good. No points right here.
Stock up: Tua Tagovailoa
The man simply retains making performs. Tagovailoa’s deep throws have been masterful, equivalent to Sunday when he hit Waddle in stride on a vital 45-yard move. Tagovailoa additionally confirmed admirable guts by returning to the sport within the third quarter after sustaining a again/head damage. You already knew he might throw the brief and intermediate passes with accuracy, and also you noticed that with the landing move to Cracraft. Tagovailoa is having an impressive begin to the season.
Stock down: Chris Perkins
Did I actually decide this staff to win eight video games?! Am I the man who loudly questioned whether or not Tagovailoa improved his potential to throw the deep move?! Yikes. I’ll admit the apparent, I’m trying very, very unhealthy on each fronts.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com