Run defense was, surprise, stingy against Jets
NEW YORK — The Miami Dolphins have talked about playing complementary football for years, but it has rarely been achieved by the franchise on the football field. But so far this season Miami’s offense, defense and special teams have possessed a synergy that appears to be lifting the 2-0 Dolphins to greater heights, and as a result, the hot start is beginning to raise the expectation level for Adam Gase’s team.
The Dolphins are getting efficient quarterback play from Ryan Tannehill, impact plays from the team’s tailbacks and receivers, and adequate protection from the offensive line. Miami’s defense been a stingy front seven, and the secondary and linebackers are forcing turnovers.
That’s a recipe for a winning season — and possibly a playoff berth — if the Dolphins can sustain it.
Here is the South Florida Sun Sentinel's report card, evaluating how the Dolphins performed in Sunday’s 20-12 victory over the Jets.
Passing Game: B-
Ryan Tannehill was fairly efficient for a second straight game (17 of 23 for 168 yards and two touchdowns), his 18th game with a 100-plus passer rating (123.1). He was sacked four times, but that had more to do with his targets not being able to get open than breakdowns in protection. Miami’s receivers need to do a better job getting off press coverage because most defensive coordinators will see what the Jets did and try to replicate it. Hopefully, the return of DeVante Parker, who has been sidelined the first two games with a broken finger, helps with Miami’s struggles versus press coverage.
Running Game: B+
The run game wasn’t consistent, but showed up in clutch moments, like Kenyan Drake’s 6-yard touchdown run, and Ryan Tannehill’s 8-yard scramble to convert a third-and-6 late in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Tannehill, who gained 44 yards on eight attempts, got three big first downs using his legs. He’s at his best when he scrambles for a few first downs a game. Drake led the Dolphins with 53 rushing yards on 11 carries, and caught four passes for 17 yards.
Defending the pass: B+
Sam Darnold, who completed 25-of-41 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown, was consistently harassed by the Dolphins defense, and forced into making a handful of costly mistakes. The Dolphins sacked the Jets rookie three times, and pulled down two interceptions, which both turned the tide of the game. Miami’s secondary kept everything in front of them against the Jets, which is ideal. But the Dolphins’ linebackers need to tighten up coverage on tailbacks and tight ends.
Defending the run: A
The Dolphins were extremely stingy against a Jets team that leans heavily on its rushing attack. Isaiah Crowell gained 35 of the Jets’ 42 rushing yards on 12 carries. Miami held the Jets to 2.2 rushing yards per carry. Miami’s interior defensive linemen consistently got into the Jets backfield, and the defensive ends effectively set the edges, pushing everything inside. If Miami’s defense can remain this stingy against the run, there’s a chance this unit can make fans forget about Ndamukong Suh, who was released in the offseason.
Special teams: C
Rookie kicker Jason Sanders consistently put his kickoffs deep into the end zone, preventing a return. That’s a significant improvement from his openingweek performance. But Sanders did miss an extra point in the second quarter. Jakeem Grant returned three punts for 48 yards, and one kickoff 34 yards. Punter Matt Haack did his part to help Miami win the field-position battle by averaging 48.5 net yards per punt, and placing five inside the 20 yard line.
Coaching: B+
The offense and defense consistently adjusted to what Todd Bowles and his Jets staff were doing, showing that Miami’s coaches can evolve when a strategy isn’t working. Adam Gase masked Miami’s protection issues, and his offense converted 6-of-13 third downs. Each week, Gase has thrown something new into the offensive mix that forces opposing defensive coordinators to react on the fly.
Stock up: Robert Quinn
Quinn didn’t just produce two sacks and a quarterback hurry against the Jets. He consistently and effectively set the edge against a team that prides itself on possessing a physical rushing attack. Quinn’s presence on the edge draws extra attention and help from tight ends and tailbacks, which should free up Cameron Wake to become more effective on the left side.
Stock down: Reshad Jones
Jones, who pulled down two interceptions in the season-opening win over the Titans, missed a handful of tackles for the second consecutive game. The Pro Bowl safety is usually a reliable tackler. Jones had three tackles against the Jets, but he’s typically more disruptive and impactful. If the Dolphins can get Jones to play consistently, the defense could become a top-10 unit.