Week 1: Dolphins vs. Patriots Positional Grades

Miami Dolphins Positional Grades

QB: C

Second-year signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa demonstrated some gradual progress by throwing and running for a touchdown. The former NCAA champion completed just under 60% of his passes for 202 yards. While the stat sheet reflects that he was relatively accurate, Tagovailoa put his receivers in some uncomfortable spots. Miami’s receivers often had to adjust to make routine catches, rather than being able to catch the ball in stride. The Patriots formidable pass rush featuring Matthew Judon and Josh Uche often gave him reason to abandon the pocket after making his first post-snap read. The Alabama product has shown improvement in his ability to connect on the backside slant on run-pass option plays. 

Coach Brian Flores opted to utilize veteran backup Jacoby Brissett in two-quarterback sneak situations. The six-year veteran is a bit more physically imposing than Tua, topping him by 15 pounds and three inches.

RB: B-

In today’s pass-oriented league, running backs must make the most out of their diminishing opportunities. Third-year running back Myles Gaskin appears to be continuing his trend of averaging more than four yards per carry. Gaskin tallied 49 yards on just nine carries.

Off-season addition Malcolm Brown was effectively utilized in short-yardage situations, averaging 3.2 yards per carry on five attempts. 

WR/TE: C+

First-round pick Jaylen Waddle did not disappoint in his long-awaited NFL debut. The 6th overall pick scored the game’s go-ahead touchdown, finishing with four catches for 61 yards. Seventh-year veteran DeVante Parker appears to have continued to build chemistry with Tagovailoa. The Louisville product hauled in an astonishing back-shoulder sideline catch over J.C Jackson. Parker finished with four receptions for 81 yards.

However, Miami‘s TE group had little to no production. TE Mike Gesicki had zero catches. But, TE Durham Smythe had one catch for nine yards.

Defensive Line: B

Veteran Emmanuel Ogbah appears to be approaching the 2021 season with the same high-motor mentality that had him ranked among the league’s top pass-rushers last year. Ogbah inflicted significant pressure on rookie QB Mac Jones, including one pass defended and a couple of QB hurries. Nose tackle Christian Wilkins continued to do the “dirty work” for Miami, often taking up two blockers at a time to free the way for linebackers.

Overall, Miami tackled well.

Linebackers: B+

Veteran Jerome Baker is rapidly establishing himself as one of the league’s top linebackers. Baker was a force to be reckoned with on Sunday, flying from sideline to sideline for a total of 12 tackles. Third-year outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel had an impressive performance, manning his assignment of setting the edge. The South Dakota product finished with five tackles.

Defensive Backs: B-

Pro-Bowl Superstar Xavien Howard proved why he is paid among the league’s best. Howard made the game-deciding play by stripping the ball from running back Damien Harris late in the 4th quarter. Howard finished with five tackles and was rarely tested when in man coverage. Former Patriot Eric Rowe was crucial in defending the run game, finishing as the team’s second-leading tackler. Rowe had nine total tackles.