Who’s hot, who’s not after the Dolphins’ win against the Giants
In the Dolphins’ 31-16 home win against the New York Giants on Sunday, Miami continued its torrid stretch on offense while the defense rebounded from struggles in Week 4.
Here’s a look at who’s hot — and who’s not — after the victory.
Who’s hot
▪ Running back De’Von Achane: The rookie continued to write his name in the history books. With Achane’s 76-yard touchdown run, he became the second player in NFL history — and the first since 1943 — to score seven touchdowns in his first four career games. He totaled 151 carries on 11 carries on Sunday, bringing his season total to 460 yards, which ranks second in the league despite only rushing 38 times this season. His 12.1-yard average by far leads the NFL, almost 5 yards more than the second-place holder, the New York Jets’ Breece Hall.
▪ Wide receiver Tyreek Hill: After a quiet afternoon in Buffalo, Hill looked more like himself with an eight-catch, 181-yard performance. His 69-yard touchdown catch to open the second half swung the momentum back in Miami’s favor after quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s pick-six toward the end of the first half. And after refusing to give up his throne as the fastest player in the NFL earlier in the week, he reminded everyone why he’s nicknamed “Cheetah,” clocking in at 22.01 mph on his 64-yard catch-and-run, the fastest-time ball carrier this season.
▪ Defensive lineman Zach Sieler: The Dolphins’ defense bounced back after a poor performance against the Bills and with seven sacks, it seemed like everyone got in on the action. But Miami’s defensive front took advantage of an undermanned Giants offensive line, and Sieler was at the center of it. His two sacks tied a career high and he was a force in the run game, recording seven tackles and three tackles for loss.
▪ Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel: Very few people probably had Van Ginkel leading the Dolphins in sacks through the first month of the season. But Jaelan Phillips’ extended absence because of injury has opened an opportunity for Van Ginkel and he continues to deliver. Another sack for Van Ginkel brought his team-leading total to four — he had a fifth negated because of a penalty — and he added a tackle for loss in his fourth consecutive game.
Who’s not
▪ Ball security: That the Dolphins’ offense was able to accumulate 524 yards despite turning the ball over three times is a testament to the explosive unit — and the lowly Giants. Miami was able to get away with it against a below-average team but the giveaways made the 15-point margin of victory seem a bit underwhelming. The Dolphins also fumbled twice against Buffalo, so it’s something that needs to get cleaned up, especially with a looming matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 7, when the margin of error will be much slimmer.
