STUDS
Jakeem Grant & Albert Wilson – No two players have had more of an impact this season, especially on offense than these two speedsters. Grant and Wilson along with Danny Amendola were given the tough task of replacing Jarvis Landry’s production on offense after he was traded to Cleveland and have quickly surpassed all expectations and has made Landry’s presence a distant forgotten memory.
Matt Haack – If anyone deserves early season MVP, it’s this guy. Punt after punt, he has pinned Miami’s opponents back and has given the Dolphins defense a chance to shut down to the opposing offense.
Kiko Alonso – Most everyone in the Miami fandom wanted Kiko gone after his down year at a new position in the linebacking unit, thank god the front office didn’t listen to popular opinion and now he is the top linebacker on the team and one of the top linebackers in the league. If he continues his dominant play, he could find himself in the pro bowl.
The Secondary (Minkah Fitzpatrick, Xavien Howard, Reshad Jones, and TJ McDonald) – Minkah Fitzpatrick doesn’t play like a rookie when he is at the corner spot, playing like a seasoned vet who always knows where the ball is. Xavien Howard is quickly becoming a household name and close to being considered one of the elite shut down corners in the NFL. Reshad Jones continues to be one of the top safeties and indispensable players on Miami’s defense, always knowing when to make the big plays. Like Kiko, TJ McDonald was another player the fan base wanted Miami to dump despite only a half season of play and a very favorable contract but again, thank god the front office is smart enough not to listen to the Dolfan twitter-verse because TJ is one of the top playmakers in the secondary this season.
Vincent Taylor and Davon Godchaux – Like Grant and Wilson, Taylor and Godchaux the unfair but necessary task of replacing Ndamukong Suh and so far they have also exceeded expectations. Vincent Taylor is ranked 15th currently in Pro Football Focus interior defensive lineman rankings.
DUDS
Ryan Tannehill– Ryan Tannehill is playing like Ryan Tannehill, his 2016-17 injury has not slowed him down or impaired his play… however every game, the offense has gotten off to a slow start and Tannehill doesn’t seem comfortable or find his “groove” until late in the second quarter or even the second half. His decision making, and pocket awareness has plagued the Dolphins this season despite the early 3 and 0 start and helped hand the team their first two losses. Tannehill remains the Dolphins starter as he should be, he gives them their best chance to win but he also could be the main reason for a loss (most recent example was against the Bengals). Come 2019, the Dolphins should have a new starter at Quarterback unless Adam Gase and his unchecked/ undeserved loyalty gets in the way.
Kenyan Drake – No player had more hype coming into this season than Kenyan Drake, his play at the end of last season justified that but he has been a disappointment in the early part of the season. Without counting what would have been the “nail in the coffin” fumble against the Bears, Drake doesn’t seem to be the back Miami thought he should be and should be relying on. Miami’s best bet is to use Gore as the featured back and use Drake on passing down and trick plays with Wilson and Grant.
DeVante Parker – Do I really need to give an explanation? He has all the talent (or so I thought), all the upside (does he?), and can be the Dolphins number one wideout if healthy (When is he ever?!). DeVante Parker cannot be relayed on, if not his health… his commitment to the team and football comes into question. We can never find him on the field but have no issue finding him on the injury report and or twitter talking what he could do… and when he is on the field, he gives you that one big play rather good (36-yard catch) or bad (intercepted because he doesn’t watch for or jump for the ball). It’s time for Parker to go, any compensation a team is willing to give for him would be great – just move on and stop wishing for what will never happen.
Share your thoughts with me on which players you think are Studs and Duds in the early part of the season – you can find me on Twitter at the handlebar @BobbyFinsTalk for the latest news, rumors, and unfiltered Miami Dolphins opinions.
