The Miami Dolphins beat the New York Jets on Friday 34-13, as Mike McDaniel’s team was carried to a win by a dominant performance from the defense.
Miami’s offense struggled with the Jets’ defense, as most teams have this season.
The Dolphins are 8-3 headed with a matchup against the Washington Commanders next week.
But, before that, we took time to grade every position group from the Dolphins’ win, from quarterback to special teams.
Quarterback: C+
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a difficult time finding a rhythm on Friday. Tagovailoa’s most notable play was a brutal interception that was returned for a touchdown to give the Jets some life.
Tagovailoa completed 21 of his 30 passing attempts for 243 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Tagovailoa barely threw the ball in the second half because the Dolphins didn’t need to. While the quarterback struggled, it should be noted that almost every quarterback has struggled against the Jets defense this year.
Running Backs: A-
The Dolphins offense excelled on the ground against the Jets. Raheem Mostert shined in the second half.
Mostert carried the ball 20 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Mostert’s 34 yard touchdown rush clinched the victory for the Dolphins.
Jeff Wilson Jr. had a solid day averaging over five yards a carry. Wilson Jr. finished with 11 carries for 56 yards.
Darrynton Evans saw limited work, and he unfortunately fumbled one of his touches.
Wide Receivers: A-
Jaylen Waddle led the day with eight catches for 114 yards in the air. Waddle has proven that he can be one of the best receivers in the NFL when given targets.
Tyreek Hill caught nine balls for 102 yards. Hill caught a short touchdown pass in the 1st half.
No other receiver gained a yard in the air for the Dolphins Friday.
Tight Ends: Incomplete
Durham Smythe caught one ball for 10 yards.
Offensive Line: B
The offensive line performed well enough to give the Dolphins a convincing win. By the end of the game, four of the five Dolphins original week 1 starting offensive line was out of the game.
Given all the injuries the group battled, it is impressive that the Dolphins only gave up two sacks.
The offensive line helped the team average 4.5 yards per carry on the ground. The group should get Reobert Hunt and others back shortly for the playoff push.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line dominated the entire game. The defense recorded seven sacks.
Christian Wilkins continued his solid season with two sacks. Zack Sieler had one sack in the game.
Unfortunately Jaelan Phillips suffered a seaon ending injury during the game. His loss will be a brutal blow for the defense. He had one sack in the game, and Emmanuel Ogbah had 1.5 sacks after filling in for Phillips.
Linebackers: A
The entire defense earned A grades on Friday. The linebackers helped the team hold the Jets to under three yards a carry.
Jerome Baker led the team with six totally tackles. Baker also recorded a tackle for loss and had two passes defended.
David Long Jr. had four tackles and a quarterback hit.
Bradley Chubb and Andrew Van Ginkel didn’t do much in the stat sheet, but they forced constant pressure on the quarterback.
Cornerbacks: A
The cornerbacks didn’t have to do much. The only touchdown they gave up was when the second string had entered the game.
Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard are starting to look like one of the best cornerbacks duos in the league. Kader Kohou and Nik Needham provide solid backup and slot options for the secondary group.
Tim Boyle only managed 179 yards passing, and the majority of that came when the game was out of hand.
Safeties: A+
The safeties deserve more love than they normally get. Deshon Elliot and Jevon Holland have been solid all year.
The play of the day for the Dolphins came on the last play of the 1st half. Jevon Holland returned an interception for an 100 yard touchdown. While the second half still needed to be played, it seemed as if that play won the game for the Dolphins.
Special Teams: B+
It was hard to watch the Dolphins old punter Thomas Morstead kick circles around Jake Bailey. Fortunately the Dolphins only had to punt once. Bailey’s punt went for 40 yards.
Jason Sanders looked great going 2 for 2 on field goals with his longest from 54 yards. Sanders also hit all four of his extra points
