Ramsey makes instant impact in debut. Who’s hot, who’s not after Dolphins win vs. Patriots
The Dolphins’ top offseason addition didn’t disappoint in his team debut against the New England Patriots, while the offense’s top two playmakers had standout games.
Here’s a look at who’s hot — and who’s not — after Miami’s 31-17 win on Sunday.
Who’s hot
▪ Cornerback Jalen Ramsey: The three-time All-Pro selection called his shot, from his return date to his interception Sunday. Ramsey watched the Dolphins’ first meeting with the Patriots in Week 2 from the sideline at Gillette Stadium, sidelined by meniscus surgery. However, he told coach Mike McDaniel he planned to be back for the second matchup in Week 8. In his first game as a Dolphin, Ramsey showed why the Dolphins made the aggressive move to trade for him in the offseason.
His pick in the second quarter set up a field goal before halftime and displayed the playmaking the Dolphins’ defense needs. He also forced a fumble earlier in the game that was negated by a penalty. Ramsey did give up one catch for 24 yards, but he was otherwise the shutdown corner he has been over his career. He was targeted three times, and quarterback Mac Jones didn’t even look toward Ramsey’s side for much of the game.
After the win, Ramsey said he didn’t want the attention to be on him. His debut, though, offered a glimpse of what a hyped defense nearing full strength could be.
▪ Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle: Through Hill’s strong start to the year — he’s on pace for the league’s first 2,000-receiving yard season — Waddle has been quiet at times. The Dolphins have the most dynamic receiving duo in the NFL, but it has often been one or the other with a big game. It clicked for both on Sunday, though, as Hill and Waddle both went for more than 100 yards. It marked the first time this season the Dolphins had two 100-yard receivers in the same game. On a day when the running game was ineffective, both pass-catchers stepped up with big plays and clutch catches.
▪ Outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips: Phillips had a slow start to the season because of an oblique injury, but his snaps have increased and his play is starting to match the expectations that followed him during training camp. He recorded another sack, bringing his season total to 3.5 in five games. Phillips also showed growth in his all-around game, setting the edge well against the run.
Who’s not
▪ Ball security: The Dolphins turned the ball over twice, and those giveaways resulted in 10 of the Patriots’ 17 points. The first came on an interception from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the second was from a botched exchange between Tagovailoa and running back Raheem Mostert. It’s the fifth consecutive game Miami has turned the ball over and the fourth time the team has had at least two giveaways. It didn’t come back to bite the Dolphins against an inferior opponent, but it is something that will have to get cleaned up for Miami’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.
