The Dolphins stayed within one score of the Chiefs into the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 24–10. Miami is still searching for its first win, though this game gave me a few encouraging individual performances to take away. Here is what stood out.
Malik Willis Is Improving, But There Are Still Concerns
Willis looks more comfortable each week. Against Kansas City, I thought he did a better job taking the quick options available to him instead of waiting for a bigger play to develop. He finished with 210 passing yards and added 56 on the ground.
There are still things I want to see improve. His deep-ball accuracy concerns me, and there were plays where he faded away from a clean pocket when he did not need to. I see progress, but I am still evaluating what his ceiling is as Miami’s quarterback.
The Offensive Line Deserves Credit
Miami did not allow a sack, which is impressive against Chris Jones and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Austin Jackson also had a bounce-back game after some difficult moments earlier this season. I especially love how much this left side of the o-line has been, especially in the run game.
Jordan Phillips And Chop Robinson Showed Promise
The young players on Miami’s defensive line gave me a lot to like. Jordan Phillips held his own against a strong Chiefs interior offensive line. He did a great job holding the point of attack (POA) against Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. Chop Robinson showed flashes of the bend and speed that make him dangerous as a pass rusher, and I especially liked what he brought on stunts. They did not solve everything for Miami’s defense, but this is the kind of performance I want to see them build on.
Jacob Rodriguez Looks Like A Cornerstone
Rodriguez keeps making an impact. He had six tackles, three tackles for loss, and an interception against Kansas City. Through three games, I am already starting to see him as a player Miami can build its defense around. He plays with confidence and keeps finding his way to the ball. He also has the main-character mustache we all want.
Michael Taaffe Brought Physicality To The Secondary
Taaffe was a bright spot for me in the secondary. One concern about him before the draft was whether he would be physical enough at the NFL level. Against the Chiefs, I saw a player willing to hit and play aggressively. I want to keep watching that part of his game as the season continues.
DJ Herman’s Role Needs Another Look
I have liked what DJ Herman has brought as a H-back and lead blocker, but I am less convinced by how Miami uses Herman on passing downs. He is a converted linebacker and is just not a viable pass-catching option for Willis.
I Want More From The Play Calling
Bobby Slowik’s play calling frustrated me at times. Miami seemed to move away from the run, even when it could have helped keep the offense on schedule. I also would have liked to see Willis rolled out more often. Getting him on the move could simplify his reads and let him use his athleticism without having to abandon a clean pocket on his own.
There were encouraging performances in this loss, particularly from the offensive line and Miami’s young defenders. The next step is turning those individual bright spots into a more complete game.
The Dolphins stayed within one score of the Chiefs into the fourth quarter but ultimately lost 24–10. Miami is still searching for its first win, though this game gave me a few encouraging individual performances to take away. Here is what stood out.
Malik Willis Is Improving, But There Are Still Concerns
Willis looks more comfortable each week. Against Kansas City, I thought he did a better job taking the quick options available to him instead of waiting for a bigger play to develop. He finished with 210 passing yards and added 56 on the ground.
There are still things I want to see improve. His deep-ball accuracy concerns me, and there were plays where he faded away from a clean pocket when he did not need to. I see progress, but I am still evaluating what his ceiling is as Miami’s quarterback.
The Offensive Line Deserves Credit
Miami did not allow a sack, which is impressive against Chris Jones and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Austin Jackson also had a bounce-back game after some difficult moments earlier this season. I especially love how much this left side of the o-line has been, especially in the run game.
Jordan Phillips And Chop Robinson Showed Promise
The young players on Miami’s defensive line gave me a lot to like. Jordan Phillips held his own against a strong Chiefs interior offensive line. He did a great job holding the point of attack (POA) against Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith. Chop Robinson showed flashes of the bend and speed that make him dangerous as a pass rusher, and I especially liked what he brought on stunts. They did not solve everything for Miami’s defense, but this is the kind of performance I want to see them build on.
Jacob Rodriguez Looks Like A Cornerstone
Rodriguez keeps making an impact. He had six tackles, three tackles for loss, and an interception against Kansas City. Through three games, I am already starting to see him as a player Miami can build its defense around. He plays with confidence and keeps finding his way to the ball. He also has the main-character mustache we all want.
Michael Taaffe Brought Physicality To The Secondary
Taaffe was a bright spot for me in the secondary. One concern about him before the draft was whether he would be physical enough at the NFL level. Against the Chiefs, I saw a player willing to hit and play aggressively. I want to keep watching that part of his game as the season continues.
DJ Herman’s Role Needs Another Look
I have liked what DJ Herman has brought as a H-back and lead blocker, but I am less convinced by how Miami uses Herman on passing downs. He is a converted linebacker and is just not a viable pass-catching option for Willis.
I Want More From The Play Calling
Bobby Slowik’s play calling frustrated me at times. Miami seemed to move away from the run, even when it could have helped keep the offense on schedule. I also would have liked to see Willis rolled out more often. Getting him on the move could simplify his reads and let him use his athleticism without having to abandon a clean pocket on his own.
There were encouraging performances in this loss, particularly from the offensive line and Miami’s young defenders. The next step is turning those individual bright spots into a more complete game.
