Midway by the season the AFC East is the very best division in soccer, which implies the Miami Dolphins’ season-ending schedule seems a lot more durable than initially projected. It’s the one division through which each crew has a successful report.
Buffalo leads the division at 6-2, adopted by the New York Jets and Dolphins at 6-3, after which New England at 5-4.
The Dolphins finish the season at Buffalo (Dec. 18), vs. Inexperienced Bay (Dec. 25), at New England (Jan. 1) and vs. the Jets (Jan. 8).
By the way in which, each crew within the division has a successful street report. The Jets are 4-0, and the three others are every 3-2. In different phrases, there aren't any low-cost victories on this division.
The NFC East doesn’t have a crew with a dropping street report as Philadelphia is 4-0, adopted by the New York Giants at 3-1, Dallas at 2-1, and Washington at 2-2.
At this level the AFC East has Payments, the Jets and Dolphins incomes three of the seven AFC playoff berths with the Patriots within the eighth spot behind the Chargers (5-3).
Hunter Lengthy in concussion protocol; no change for Byron Jones
McDaniel stated tight finish Hunter Lengthy is in concussion protocol, however the Dolphins, who've handled accidents to key positions for the previous few weeks, got here out of the Chicago recreation in comparatively fine condition so far as accidents.
Broad receiver Jaylen Waddle left the sector briefly within the second quarter with an unannounced ailment however rapidly returned to the sport and completed.
Cornerback Byron Jones (Achilles) gained’t be on the follow subject this week, McDaniel stated. Jones, a starter, had Achilles surgical procedure in March and hasn’t performed this season. There was an expectation he’d be able to play early within the season, however that hasn’t come to fruition.
Snap counts
Edge rusher Bradley Chubb, acquired from Denver final week in a high-profile commerce, performed 56 snaps in opposition to Chicago, 54 from scrimmage and two on particular groups in his Dolphins debut. Chubb ended with one deal with, however utilized good stress on Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
Jeff Wilson Jr. performed 34 snaps, 28 snaps (49%) on offense and 6 snaps on particular groups. Fellow operating again Raheem Mostert performed 27 snaps (47%), six snaps on particular groups. Mostert is the deep man on kickoff returns and Wilson performs one of many two spots simply in entrance of Mostert, a spot generally performed by fullback Alec Ingold.
Defensive again Elijiah Campbell performed a season-high 16 snaps (22%) from scrimmage in opposition to Chicago because the Dolphins proceed to dig into their depth to search out solutions.
Defensive backs Justin Bethel and Clayton Fejedelem, who had performed key roles from scrimmage within the earlier two video games, didn’t get any snaps from scrimmage.
Security Eric Rowe, who was inactive final week, began and performed 57 snaps (77%). Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene performed 19 snaps (26%).
Amongst different starters within the secondary, cornerback Xavien Howard and security Jevon Holland performed all 74 snaps whereas cornerback Kader Kohou performed 73 snaps.
Left guard Robert Jones, making his season debut as a starter, performed all 57 snaps whereas huge receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. performed 13 snaps (23%), tight finish Mike Gesicki performed 28 snaps (49%).
Hill nonetheless doing huge issues
Broad receiver Tyreek Hill, who had seven receptions for 103 yards and one landing in opposition to Chicago, now has 76 receptions for 1,104 yards and three touchdowns, eye-popping numbers for a full season and much more spectacular contemplating the season is simply 9 video games deep.
Hill stays within the dialog for the very best receiving season in NFL historical past.
The report for single-season receptions is 149 by Michael Thomas (New Orleans) in 2019.
The report for single-season receiving yards is 1,964 by Calvin Johnson (Detroit) in 2012.
It’s conceivable Hill may finish with 150 receptions and a couple of,000 yards receiving.
Tua is No. 1
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s profession passer ranking is now 95.3, which is the very best in Dolphins historical past, surpassing Chad Pennington (2008-10, who posted a 94.5).
Tagovailoa has had his two finest profession passer rankings the previous two weeks with a career-best 138.7 at Detroit and a 135.7 at Chicago.
On a aspect notice, Tagovailoa is 12-2 in his previous 14 begins, and 13-1 previously 14 video games he’s completed.
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