Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Omar Kelly’s grades the Dolphins on Sunday’s game.
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins are riding a two-game winning streak headed into their bye week, and it has helped the team developed a bit of confidence.
The Dolphins are establishing a physical identity on offense and have rushed for 436 yards the past two weeks, and the defense is benefiting from the Dolphins’ time of possession dominance.
The Dolphins are finally playing complimentary football, and it is coach Adam Gase’s job to not only maintain this type of style, but to build on it going forward.
“I chase that feeling,” offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod said talking about winning. “I want to be in the locker room hugging and joking around with the guys. I want to be happy with the fellas.”
Here is the Sun Sentinel's report card, evaluating how the Dolphins performed against the Bills:
Passing game
Ryan Tannehill benefited from a second consecutive game with a clean pocket, completing 15-of-25 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown (99.4 passer rating). The Dolphins have begun to diversify his targets, getting receivers other than Jarvis Landry more involved, and it is keeping Miami’s opponents off balance. Miami’s offense should continue to improve once Jordan Cameron and Dion Sims return from their concussions.
Grade: B+
Running game
Jay Ajayi became the fourth tailback in NFL history to put together back-to-back, 200-yard rushing performances, joining a distinguished list that features O.J. Simpson, Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams. Ajayi’s 214-yard performance makes him the NFL’s fifth most productive tailback this season with 535 rushing yards. Damien Williams also provided a few physical runs, one of which turned into one of his third touchdown of the season.
Grade: A+
Defending the pass
Since Cameron Wake and Andre Branch have been inserted into the starting lineup Miami’s defense has taken on a completely new look. The Dolphins are getting more pressure on quarterbacks (Bills QB Tyrod Taylor was sacked four times) and it has contributed to better third down and red zone execution. Miami did give up a 67-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin when safety Michael Thomas failed to get over the top of Buffalo’s speedy receiver.
Grade: B-
Defending the run
Miami limited Buffalo’s offense to 67 rushing yards, and 35 of them came from Taylor escaping the pocket and scrambling for yards. This was the second time all season that the Dolphins held an opponent to fewer than 100 rushing yards. But the Bills did score two rushing touchdowns against Miami, bringing the team’s total to six rushing touchdowns allowed in seven games.
Grade: A-
Special teams
The Dolphins put together their worst special teams performance of the season against the Bills. Miami allowed one of Matt Darr’s punts to get blocked, and had numerous penalties in the third phase of the game. Having core special teams contributors like Michael Thomas, Neville Hewitt and MarQueis Gray get more involved on defense and offense because of injuries has been taxing to special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi’s unit.
Grade: D
Coaching
Adam Gase and his staff continue to evolve as coaches. The Dolphins have found a new physical identity behind their running game. Miami’s defense is beginning to play better despite being without four projected starters – Earl Mitchell, Koa Misi, Xavien Howard and Reshad Jones – against the Bills. The Dolphins limited the Bills to 3-of-13 third downs.
Grade: A
Stock up
Dolphins first-round pick Laremy Tunsil has been a solid pass blocker all season, but his work in the run game left plenty of room for improvement before Sunday. Against the Bills, the Dolphins rookie was creating creases for Miami’s tailbacks from his left guard spot and his pulls were sensational, which means he’s blossoming in the second phase of offensive line play.