The Dolphins are 4-1 for the first time since 2003 and look like they will be one of the better teams in the AFC this season. Through 5 games the team has already shattered the NFL record for yards in a team's
first 5 games as well as multiple team records thanks to a 70 point performance against the Broncos. Now that we are a little over a quarter of the way through the season, it's time to hand out some grades for each position group on the team.
Quarterback: A-
Tua Tagovailoa has carried his strong player from 2022 into 2023. Through 5 games Tua ranks:
- 322.8 YPG (1st)
- 9.7 YPA (1st)
- 11 TD’s (2nd)
- 111.9 passer rating (2nd)
- 75.8 QBR (3rd)
Statistically speaking Tua has been one of the best QBs in the league this year and you could make an argument that he has been the best. Tua is on pace to throw for over 5500 yards and 37 touchdowns this year, both of course would be career highs. The only concern that I have right now from Tua is the interceptions. Tua has thrown a pick in 4/5 games this year and obviously that needs to improve. But Tua is balling to start the season and if he continues to play this well, Miami is going to extend him sooner rather than later.
Running back: A+
Raise your hand if you wanted Miami to pursue a high profile running back this off-season. The emergence of De'Von Achane and his ridiculous production and the steadiness of Raheem Mostert has put an end to any of that speculation. The production out of the back field has been amazing to watch and outside of week one, where Miami didn't really try to establish the run, Miami has been dominating teams to the tune of over 180 yards rushing per game. And Miami is doing all of this without Jeff Wilson who will give Miami a size element they currently don't have. We also have to give Chris Brooks some love too for the way he played week 5 against the Giants as an H-Back. Dude was burying defensive ends with ease! It looks like Miami will lose Achane for a few weeks in light of his knee injury but Miami should have the pieces in place at running back to carry the load until he returns.
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Wide Receivers: A-
The Dolphins WR core is without question one of the best in the league and they have had a really good start to the season, but we all know that there is more that this group can give. Tyreek Hill is doing Tyreek Hill things and is on pace for 2,213 yards this season. Will he get there? Probably not but Tyreek is going to put up ridiculous numbers either way. I've mentioned this in a few other articles but the use of Jaylen Waddle has so far been disappointing. I know he missed the game against Denver but Miami really needs to get Waddle more involved. It hasn't been limiting to this Dolphins offense but this team is at it's best when both Waddle and Hill are going off. Berrios has been what Miami has needed in the slot and River Cracraft (before injury) was blocking his tail off. I will be interested to see what Miami can get out of Chase Claypool going forward after acquiring him in a trade from Chicago.
Offensive Line: A-
We all owe this offensive line an apology or two. Or more likely probably a lot more than two apologies. This offensive line has been playing out of it's mind so far this season outside of the performance in Buffalo in which you lost Terron Armstead early and Connor Williams didn't play. The team is averaging 185 yards per game on the ground and has only allowed 6 sacks in 5 games. The athleticism of this group is what really stands out. You turn on the film and you can find any of the 6 primary OL that have played this year climbing up to backers and safeties clearing big lanes for the backs. The OL has been the biggest surprise of the season for me and I hope they keep it up with challenging fronts like Philly coming up.
The addition of Isaiah Wynn has calmed the nerves around the left guard position and Robert Hunt and Connor Williams are both showing why they deserve contract extensions before they hit free agency in March. Kendall Lamm has come and done a fine job in replacement for Terron Armstead. Miami would be wise to lock him up to a short term deal asap. But I think we all as Dolphins fans owe a massive apology to none other than Liam Eich...... nope, never mind not even going to joke about that. Austin Jackson, we apologize. Jackson has been very solid this year and while he might not be an elite tackle by any means, he has proven this year that he can be a solid tackle in this league.
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Defensive Line/EDGE: C
Without question the defensive line is one of the most disappointing units on this football team. Christian Wilkins hasn't been the same player he was last year as he's been pushed around a bit in the run game and the sack production we all thought that he would have in this new scheme hasn't manifested itself yet. That's not to say that Wilkins is suddenly bad or not making plays because he is. But considering he turned down over $20m per season to try to earn money that the elite pass rushing DTs are making, we can and should expect more out of him. Zach Sieler is playing well and is on pace to set a new career high in sacks after recording 3 in the first 5 games but even Sieler has been pushed around in the run game. Raekwon Davis has been average and the depth behind Davis, Sieler, and Wilkins hasn't done much of anything either (because there really isn't any depth)
The edge group has been a disappointing group as well outside of Andrew Van Ginkel. The Ginkster is up to 4 sacks to start the season and is well on the way to being paid in free agency by someone (just probably not the Dolphin's unfortunately.) Jaelen Phillips hasn't had the break out season many of us were hoping for thanks to a back and oblique injury that has limited him to 1.5 games and then there is the Bradley Chubb situation that I have already addressed in length. The one surprise is Emmanuel Ogbah and his 2.5 sacks which look great on paper but Ogbah has benefited from a few free runs at the QB.
Linebackers: D
Here we are again, bad at linebacker. Let's start with the good, David Long has been solid after appearing to be in Vic Fangio's dog house to start the preseason. Long has contributed 36 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1 sack through 5 games which is solid. Unfortunately, if you look at any big runs that Miami has given up so far you can probably find David Long in the wrong gap as he tries to anticipate where the running back is going. Consistency is going to be key for David Long and he is going to need to step up if this defense is going to get back on track. The same can be said for Jerome Baker who is really struggling to start the season. Jerome is the 8th highest paid linebacker in the NFL and when you are paid that handsomely, you need to play well and unfortunately for the Dolphins, he's not. Jerome has contributed 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks (1 came from Daniel Jones running out of bounds and Jerome just happened to be there) and 0 tackles for loss. His biggest problem has been getting off blocks which isn't surprising considering Jerome is listed at 225lbs. Channing Tindall is never on the field and the team is using Duke Riley less than last year. This unit is just bad and Miami might have to clear house at linebacker. Again.
Cornerbacks: B-
Considering that Miami is missing Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphin's corner room has been solid outside of Buffalo in which Kader Kohou was shredded by Stefon Diggs. Xavien Howard appears to have returned to form and will hopefully have more opportunities to grab some interceptions once Ramsey get's back and X is targeted a bit more. Eli Apple has had some penalty issues but has been overall solid. Cam Smith, the teams 2nd round pick, hasn't seen the field yet and might not this season based on how things are progressing.
The safety room has been fine for Miami (outside of Brandon Jones' performance against Buffalo) The combination of Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott has proven to be very solid but we are still waiting for the game changing play from either of them. All off-season we heard about how Fangio weaponizes safeties which allows them to make big plays. Each has made fine plays but I am waiting for the Reshad Jones type plays from Jevon Holland.
Special Teams: D
Miami's special teams are just plain bad. Through 5 games Miami has allowed a 99 yard kick return for a touchdown, had Jason Sanders miss 2 field goals and 1 PAT, and had Jake Bailey has a 20 yard punt. Many wanted Danny Crossman let go after last season, I expect those same feelings will be shared this off-season.