The Miami Dolphins earned their sixth victory of the season on Sunday, as they defeated the New England Patriots 31-17 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Mike McDaniel’s team outlasted injuries to a number of key players after they went down by seven points in the first quarter. They were able to put together a complete win against a team that upset the Buffalo Bills last week.
As we do after every game, let’s take a look at some of those who deserve credit and some who deserve criticism for their performances against the Patriots.
STUDS: Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill
Miami’s top two targets combined for a HUGE day. Together they totaled 233 yards and two touchdowns on 15 receptions. They could’ve had even more, as they both dealt with drops throughout the contest.
DUD: OL Robert Jones
Jones was thrust into the lineup due to injuries to both Isaiah Wynn and Robert Hunt. While the offense was still able to move, Jones had two penalties that were called on him and another flag was thrown and then inexplicably picked up.
He’s rusty coming back from an injury, so hopefully, this is just a one-time issue.
STUD: CB Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey locked down his side of the field in his return from a meniscus injury that he suffered in just his second training camp session with the Dolphins.
And, with one of the rare targets he saw, Ramsey baited Mac Jones into throwing an interception and returned it 49 yards to set up the offense in good starting position.
DUD: Miami's run-stopping
Miami’s front seven may have gotten to the quarterback three times in this game, but they weren’t their best against the run.
The duo of Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott combined for 4.4 yards per carry.
If the Dolphins weren’t leading by multiple scores for stretches, New England may have committed more to the running game, which was working.
