The Miami Dolphins lost to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Here are Miami’s positional grades from the Week 2 game:
Quarterbacks: D+
Second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was forced to exit the contest early in the first quarter due to a knee injury. The Alabama product had completed just one pass out of his four attempts. Tagovailoa was relieved by former Indianapolis Colt, Jacoby Brissett. Miami opted to throw over 40 times on Sunday, despite the abysmal weather that was present throughout the game. Brissett managed to complete 60% of his passes despite being stuck behind an injury-riddled offensive line. The constant pressure often forced Brissett to give the ball up to his first post-snap read, instead of being able to patiently evaluate the defense.
Running Backs: C-
The Dolphins took quite the unconventional approach Sunday, opting to run the ball just 16 times throughout the rainy game. Third-year running back Myles Gaskin managed to retain his streak of averaging more than four yards per carry in each game. The Washington product ran for 25 yards on just five attempts. Gaskin also hauled in four passes, serving as a viable check-down option for Brissett when he encountered pressure. Offseason acquisition Malcolm Brown also performed well despite receiving limited carries. The former Los Angeles Ram was utilized in short-yardage situations, rushing for 21 yards on five attempts (4.2 YPC).
Wide Receivers: D+
2021 first-round pick Jaylen Waddle is continuing to develop a sense of comfort with Miami’s offense. Although the speedster dropped two passes and muffed a punt early in the contest, Waddle caught six passes for 48 yards. The Alabama product demonstrated his ability to create separation while running short/intermediate routes.
Meanwhile, veteran receiver DeVante Parker was targeted nine times, hauling in five receptions for 42 yards. Wide Receivers Albert Wilson and Preston Williams were also involved. Wilson had four receptions for 20 yards, and Williams had one reception for eight yards. WR Will Fuller did not play Sunday due to a personal issue.
Tight End: D+
Compared to Week 1, the tight end position received a bit more attention against the Bills.
Fourth-year tight end Mike Gesicki totaled three receptions for 41 yards. And 28-year-old Cethan Carter recorded one reception for eight yards.
Offensive Line: F
Since the departure of Laremy Tunsil via trade, the Dolphins have failed to establish a consistent offensive tackle on either side. Tackles Jesse Davis and Austin Jackson forced quarterback Jacoby Brissett to play glorified backyard football. Brissett spent all four quarters running for his life essentially, desperately chucking the ball to just about anybody with a Dolphins logo on their helmet. On one fourth quarter drive, Brissett was pummeled by second-year edge A.J Epenesa on three straight occasions. Although the team appeared to block the rush much more efficiently, they were no match for the Bills’ abundance of pass-rushing moves.
Overall, Miami has almost no proven quality starters up front at the NFL level. The Dolphins’ rebuild truly started with a decision to trade the only proven quality tackle on their roster for a massive haul. Simply, Miami’s offensive line needs to keep their QBs upright long enough to get a receiver downfield.
Defensive Line: D+
Buffalo’s South Florida-bred backfield tandem of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss totaled three touchdowns on Sunday. The two combined for 106 yards on 21 carries. Defensive linemen Christian Wilkins was often consumed with double-teams and was unable to force the running back to bounce to the outside or run into his linebackers. Emmanuel Ogbah, one of Miami’s defensive anchors, totaled four tackles and one sack, but was unable to pressure quarterback Josh Allen consistently.
Linebackers: D-
Miami’s linebackers struggled to tackle in the open field, allowing Devin Singletary to rack up the second-longest rush of his career (46 yards). Miami’s inability to force pressure also exposed weaknesses in Miami’s zone defense. The team was attacked in the middle of the field quite often, a zone often occupied by linebackers.
Defensive Backs: C+
Star Xavien Howard extended his turnover streak by catching an interception on Sunday. However, Stefon Diggs got the best of Howard throughout their matchup. Diggs hauled in a touchdown and made an impressive 41-yard sideline catch on a jump ball. 2021 second-round draft pick Jevon Holland is appearing to be more comfortable in coverage, and is continuing to demonstrate his fearlessness as a run-stopper. Cornerback Byron Jones also played well; Josh Allen didn’t throw the ball his way.