MIAMI GARDENS — Breaking down the Miami Dolphins’ 27-21 victory against the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football” while wondering about Tyreek Hill’s knee injury.
While Miami (1-3) won its first game of the season, New York (0-4) remains winless.
Here are our instant grades:
Quarterback
A game that had become a referendum on Tua Tagovailoa brought out the best in him. Tagovailoa was in command throughout and even showed some flair with a behind-the-back flip to Malik Washington that had the crowd buzzing. He also survived a cheap shot after a scramble.
Grade: A
Running backs
Pedestrian day for De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II, although Achane picked things up in the second half. He finished with 99 yards on the ground but only one reception.
Grade: B
Receivers
Their day was spoiled when the cart came out for Tyreek Hill, who was having a very good day, consistently moving the chains. Tight end Darren Waller wasted no time making himself known, catching a ball from Tagovailoa for Miami’s first third-down conversion of the game. The play went 14 yards. But Waller’s second catch was even better. He used his 6-6 frame to catch a 4-yard TD with Sauce Gardner draped all over him, then added a second-half score.
Grade: A
Offensive line
Patrick Paul was called for a holding penalty, wiping out a 10-yard run by De’Von Achane. Larry Borom also committed a holding penalty.
Grade: C-plus
Defensive line
DT Zach Sieler had a couple of tackles for loss. Miami’s defense did have a tough time with New York’s rushing attack.
Grade: C-plus
Linebackers
Jordyn Brooks had 18 tackles. Tyrel Dodson caused a fumble with a sack. Jaelan Phillips recovered for Miami’s second takeaway of the game (and season). Cameron Goode caused a fumble.
Grade: B-plus
Defensive backs
The secondary was depleted for this game, with Jason Marshall a late addition to injured reserve and Storm Duck and Ethan Bonner out. Rasul Douglas recorded a sack. Jack Jones caused a fumble to save a touchdown and Minkah Fitzpatrick recovered. The Dolphins responded with a 96-yard touchdown drive. Rookie Dante Trader Jr. was called for an illegal contact penalty that may have made the difference in Nick Folk’s 58-yard field goal to end the first half, but Trader immediately came back to recover a fumble on the second-half kickoff. Justin Fields looked better in the second half and Miami gave up a late touchdown pass to give New York a chance at the end.
Grade: B, especially given all the absences
Coaching
Nice decision to go for it on fourth down, which allowed Darren Waller to catch a 4-yard TD from Tagovailoa. Also good mix of play calls to keep the offense on the field. Mike McDaniel was facing tough odds, however, with a first-half challenge that the runner was down by contact. All this for yet another home game in which a plane flew overhead calling for McDaniel’s job. DC Anthony Weaver wanted his defense to play with more violence and finally start creating turnovers. Players responded.
Grade: A
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins instant report card for victory against New York Jets
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
