The Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Here are Miami’s positional grades from the Week 18 game:
QB: B-
Second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa performed efficiently, completing 68% of his passes. However, the vast majority of these passes were completed behind the line of scrimmage, or within 10 yards of the snap. The Alabama product connected with his former college teammate, Jaylen Waddle, for an early goal-line touchdown. Tagovailoa had his highest rushing output of the season, finishing with 38 yards on the ground.
RB: A
Miami native Duke Johnson retained his title as Miami’s featured back, carrying the ball 26 times for 122 yards and a score. Johnson was a mid-season addition that proved to be quite beneficial for Miami. Although former starter Myles Gaskin only carried the ball once, he was utilized at a number of positions, finishing with three receptions. Phillip Lindsay also performed well, racking up 40 yards on 11 carries.
WR/TE: C
Rookie Jaylen Waddle eclipsed the 100 reception mark, and later broke the NFL rookie single-season reception record. Waddle ended the year with 104 receptions, and found the end zone early in the contest. Tight end Mike Gesicki was limited to just two receptions for 22 yards, partly due to New England keying the middle of the field due to Miami’s success running the ball.
O-Line: A-
Miami’s rushing attack was quite successful, thanks in great part to Miami’s offensive line. The team averaged 4.5 yards per carry, with Duke Johnson surpassing the 100-yard mark. Also, the team shined in pass protection. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was rarely hurried and was sacked just twice.
Defensive Line/ Linebackers: C-
Miami’s linebackers struggled in coverage on Sunday, giving up over 10 catches and 100 yards. However, Jerome Baker was solid against the run. The Ohio State product racked up six solo tackles. The Dolphins were impressive against the run, limiting Brandon Bolden to 46 yards as the teams leading rusher.
Defensive Backs: B
Xavien Howard capped off another impressive year when he intercepted a Mac Jones pass intended for Jakobi Meyers and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. Miami’s secondary held Mac Jones to 261 yards on 30 attempts and just one touchdown. Starter Byron Jones blanketed his assigned receivers throughout the contest; the former Pro Bowler did not allow a single catch.
(Featured image by Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports)
Keep this going please, great job!