Who’s hot, who’s not after the Dolphins’ loss to Eagles
The Dolphins’ offense had a season-low yardage output while the defense forced two turnovers but couldn’t get a crucial stop late in a 31-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night.
Here’s a look at who’s hot — and who’s not — after the defeat.
Who’s hot
▪ Inside linebackers David Long Jr. and Jerome Baker: An unfortunate incidental helmet-to-helmet collision with safety Jevon Holland prematurely ended what was arguably Long’s best game as a Dolphin. Before he was sidelined to be evaluated for a concussion in the third quarter, he had totaled four tackles and was active in both the run and pass game. He’s looked increasingly more comfortable in recent weeks and was at his best before his injury.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins also got more consistent play from Baker, whose pick-six tied the game at 17. Baker also led Miami with 11 total tackles and recorded a pass breakup.
▪ Outside linebackers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips: Injuries have prevented this duo from seeing the field consistently, but they may have played their best game together as pass rushers on “Sunday Night Football.” Both recorded six pressures, according to the NFL’s NextGen Stats, while Chubb logged two sacks and Phillips added one, too. Both missed out on other opportunities to bring down quarterback Jalen Hurts but they held their own against a talented offensive line.
Who’s not
▪ Offensive line: Facing a stout and deep defensive front, the Dolphins’ offensive line struggled to win in the trenches for much of the night. Miami only rushed for 45 yards on 12 carries, while quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was sacked three times and pressured on 14 dropbacks, which tied a season-high. Injuries played a role, as the unit was without starters Terron Armstead and Connor Williams and then lost left guard Isaiah Wynn to a quad injury on the first drive. But the unit had similar troubles against a talented Buffalo Bills defensive line.
▪ Secondary: It was a tough matchup for the Dolphins’ secondary, as cornerback Xavien Howard was inactive because of a groin injury and Jalen Ramsey is not yet ready to be activated from injured reserve. Miami’s defense has given up big totals to opposing wide receivers this season, and A.J. Brown was the latest, catching 10 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. The silver lining is that Howard and Ramsey will soon be on the field together for the first time, giving Miami a pair of shutdown cornerbacks. But if either is to miss time because of injury, the Dolphins have issues with depth at corner.
This story was originally published October 23, 2023 at 12:29 PM.
