Grading the Dolphins’ 45-15 win over Washington; plus stock up, stock down

MIAMI GARDENS — It’s been about two decades since things have looked this good for the Miami Dolphins at this stage of the season. 

The Dolphins, who defeated Washington 45-15 on Sunday, are 9-3 for the first time since 2001. They’re the top seed in the AFC over Baltimore (9-3) because they have a better winning percentage in conference games (the Dolphins are at .750 based on their 6-2 record, the Ravens are at .667 based on their 6-3 record).

And the Dolphins are almost a lock to win the AFC East over struggling Buffalo (6-6).

Miami’s offense, defense and special teams are all operating at a playoff level, and seem to be getting better.

There are health concerns, but, overall, the Dolphins are among the most healthy title contenders in the league.

And because this week’s game against Tennessee (4-8) is on Monday night, Miami’s injured players get an extra day of rest.

But before looking too far ahead, let’s look back at Sunday’s lopsided victory over the Commanders.

Run game: A

Miami rushed for 123 yards on 34 carries. Look at the number of carries, yards and time of possession (32:16) more than the yards per carry (3.5). Rookie De’Von Achane (17 carries, 73 yards, two touchdowns) and veteran Raheem Mostert (11 carries, 43 yards, one touchdown) are giving the Dolphins offensive options. Against quality teams, you might not always get the big play, sometimes you need another option and the run game, which entered Sunday No. 2 in the league at 145.2 yards per game, is getting the job done. Remember that 13-play, 59-yard drive in the fourth quarter that chewed 7:50 off the clock? It had 12 run plays.

Pass game: A

Tyreek Hill (five receptions, 157 yards, two touchdowns) is simply amazing. You can’t say that enough. And quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (18-of-24, 280 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 141.0 passer rating) was excellent on Sunday, especially because he didn’t have any turnovers. Jaylen Waddle (five receptions, 52 yards) made a solid contribution although he had a drop. And don’t forget Achane had three receptions for 30 yards, meaning he had 103 yards from scrimmage. Oh, and pass protection didn’t give up a sack. So a tip of the hat to the offensive line, which cleared the way for a 100-yard rushing day and didn’t allow a sack.

Defending the run: C

This was a bit of a downer, but no big deal. Washington rushed for 138 yards on 28 carries, averaging a robust 4.9 yards per carry. Brian Robinson Jr. (seven carries, 53 yards) didn’t crush the Dolphins, but he did damage. So did Chris Rodriguez Jr. (seven carries, 29 yards). Miami entered the game No. 6 in run defense (92.8 yards per game). In the grand scheme of things this isn’t a big concern. Miami had held its previous five opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing and the Commanders are only the fourth team to rush for 100 or more yards against the Dolphins. This was a hard-earned effort by the Commanders, not a collection of missed tackles or missed run fits by the Miami defense.

Defending the pass: A

Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel had an impressive 33-yard interception return for a touchdown. But the entire defense did well. Washington quarterback Sam Howell (12 of 23, 127 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, 50.5 passer rating) was sacked three times, hit nine times and was under constant pressure. Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin ended with no receptions on just three targets, with much of the credit going to cornerbacks Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard. Defensive lineman Zach Sieler had 1.5 sacks as the pass rush overcame the loss of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (season-ending Achilles injury) and the absence of  Jevon Holland (knees).

Special teams: A

Kicker Jason Sanders hit a 49-yard field goal, punter Jake Bailey (three punts, 42.3 yards per punt, one inside the 20-yard line) was solid, returner Baxton Berrios was good (two returns, seven yards), and the coverage teams did strong work.  Injuries usually have ripple effects that extend to special teams play. Overall, Miami has done a good job of being stable despite losses of key players such as running back Salvon Ahmed (foot) or wide receiver River Cracraft earlier in the season.  

Coaching: A

The Dolphins were focused, and that’s saying a lot. Coach Mike McDaniel and his staff keep their players looking at what’s in front of them and little else. That’s not easy, especially with “Hard Knocks” cameras all around. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is also doing a solid job. The defense is becoming proficient at making plays. And offensive coordinator Frank Smith is also gaining attention, with his name being mentioned in connection with the Carolina Panthers head coaching vacancy. 

Stock up: LB Andrew Van Ginkel

Van Ginkel has been a strong replacement for Phillips all season. Van Ginkel, a narrowly-built edge rusher, not a muscular, bulky sort such as Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Emmanuel Ogbah or Jason Pierre-Paul, gets his job done by being crafty. And Van Ginkel (47 tackles, 4.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovered, six passes defended, one touchdown) has excelled.

Stock down: LT Terron Armstead

This isn’t for performance reasons, this is for health reasons. Armstead, the Pro Bowl performer, and respected team captain, left his second consecutive game with an injury. This time it was an ankle injury. Last week against the New York Jets, it was a quadriceps injury. He’s already missed six games. The hope is he’ll be healthy for the final three games and the playoffs.