The Miami Dolphins lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Here are Miami’s positional grades from the Week 5 game:
QB: C
Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett did the best with what he could on Sunday. Brissett completed nearly 70% of his passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns. The NC State product was sacked three times throughout the contest. Although Brissett was limited due to a hamstring issue that he suffered earlier in the game, he displayed mobility in the pocket. Due to an abysmal performance by the offensive line, Brissett was often under pressure or hit while making throws. The veteran quarterback’s grasp of the offense is still unclear due to a limited variety of plays being called as a result of the offensive-lines inconsistencies.
RB: A-
Three things are guaranteed in life. Death, taxes, and Myles Gaskin averaging five yards per carry on a Sunday afternoon. The shifty back from Washington only racked up 25 yards on five carries, but the majority of his damage came through the aerial attack. Gaskin hauled in 10 receptions, reaching the end-zone twice. Miami often finds itself behind early, causing the team to shy away from running the ball.
WR: C-
Before addressing the negative events associated with Sunday’s game, it is worth noting that nine offensive players tallied receptions. Aside from Gaskin, Preston Williams returned from injury to serve as Miami’s leading wide receiver. Williams snagged three receptions for 60 yards, holding the longest reception of the day for 34 yards. Tight-end Mike Gesicki continues to cement himself as a viable receiving option in Miami’s offense, bringing in four passes for 43 yards. Horrendous offensive line play prevented Brissett from being able to go through his passing progressions, forcing him to dump the ball to the first or second option on many plays.
Offensive Line: F-
The Miami Dolphins offensive line will prove to be the downfall of this team. Oddly enough, the team is right in the middle of the pack in terms of run blocking. The floodgates begin to open when Miami elects to pass. Second-year left tackle Austin Jackson demonstrates advanced ability and footwork as a run-blocker, but still has ways to go as a pass blocker. Constant pressure from Brissett’s blind-side led to errant and rushed throws throughout the contest. The team’s lone bright spot on the offensive line, Robert Hunt, continued to hold his own despite the chaos surrounding him.
Defensive Line/Linebackers (Front Seven): D+
Despite heavily leaning on their pass game, Tampa ran the ball 25 times, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Tampa’s run game was simply a decoy for their deadly passing offense. Miami was able to sack the quarterback just twice, leaving Tom Brady with freedom to be patient in the pocket. Miami’s edge rush on either side was no match for Tampa Bay’s tackles, eliminating any pass rush and opening up the outside run. Jaelan Phillips was a bright-spot, showcasing his development as an every-down pass rusher by tallying a sack and a few quarterback hurries. Miami’s linebackers struggle in zone coverage, often leaving a soft spot between the last linebacker and the free safety.
Defensive Backs: D-
Rookie safety Jevon Holland led all defenders with seven tackles on the day. Despite some woes in coverage, Holland has established himself as a fearless tackler. The Oregon product impressed with the efficient and effective pursuit angles used to take down the ball carrier.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady completed 73% of his passes for 411 yards and five touchdowns, torching Miami’s secondary. Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard was beat by Antonio Brown for a 61-yard touchdown. Despite Howard taking a rare loss in coverage to Brown, other Tampa Bay receivers also produced solid performances. Wideout Mike Evans hauled in six passes for 113 yards, scoring twice, while Chris Godwin had seven catches for 70 yards.