Who’s hot, who’s not after the Dolphins’ win against Panthers
After a slow start against a winless opponent, the Dolphins looked like their usual self, scoring 35 unanswered points in a 42-21 home win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Here’s a look at who’s hot — and who’s not — after the victory.
Who’s hot
Running back Raheem Mostert: Three weeks ago, Mostert told reporters that despite being the elder statesman in the running back room, he felt like a 25-year-old. The 31-year-old has looked like a player right in the prime of his career, with a remarkable start to the season. Mostert rushed for a game-high 115 yards and scored three times, bringing his league-leading total to 11, which is also a career-high. The Dolphins were confident that even with rookie De’Von Achane sidelined by a knee injury, the running game wouldn’t miss a beat and Mostert has made sure of it.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill: The eye-popping numbers Hill is putting up this season have become routine, but it’s important to place what the wide receiver is doing in historical context. With 814 receiving yards in his first six games, Hill has the most yards by a wide receiver through the first six games of a season in the Super Bowl era. Sunday marked Hill’s fifth game this season with at least 150 receiving yards and the 13th in his career.
Defensive lineman Christian Wilkins: In the past couple of weeks, defensive coaches have fielded many questions about Wilkins, an elite run stuffer whose production so far this season hasn’t matched that of previous seasons. And new coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme has been an adjustment for all players, especially defensive linemen. However, while Wilkins might not be recording as many tackles as some are accustomed to seeing, he’s flourishing as a pass rusher. He recorded two sacks Sunday, bringing his season total to 3.5, one shy of tying his career high from the 2021 season.
Who’s not
Cornerback Eli Apple: There are not many negatives from a 21-point victory. But the third cornerback spot remains an issue for the Dolphins. According to the NFL’s NextGen Stats, Apple was targeted a team-high eight times, allowing four catches for 77 yards. Teams have made a concerted effort to target Apple, who was reinserted into the nickel package in Week 5. Jalen Ramsey’s return is reportedly close but Miami needs more consistent play from Apple in the meantime, especially with matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs looming.
