The Miami Dolphins were unable to make the playoffs this season. It was one of Coach Fallen’s goals for his team, but the team fell just short after losing to the New England Patriots in week 18. The Dolphins finished the season 10-7 and the team finished #14 in the league in offensive points per game (32.6) and #7 in the league in defensive points per game (26.8).* The Dolphins averaged just over 320 (#3) passing yards per game and they averaged 78.1 (#28) rushing yards per game. The Dolphins allowed 240 (#4) passing yards per game and 110 (#20) rushing yards per game. The Dolphins had players at each level on the field play exceptionally and for their intensity and determination each week, they were awarded with pro bowl selections. The Miami Dolphins would like to congratulate the following players for being selected to the 2021 Pro Bowl –
QB Tua Tagovailoa –
Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t selected as a first ballot Pro Bowler, but when the Colts defeated the Titans, Tua was brought up from the reserve ballot to take the place of quarterback Carson Wentz. Tua finished the season with 5,947 passing yards, 50 passing touchdowns, 33 interceptions, and a 112.2 QBR. He completed 68% of his passes and averaged just short of 350 passing yards per game. Tua broke the single season passing record previously held by Peyton Manning when he was with the Denver Broncos in 2013. New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones also surpassed Manning, but his 5,618 passing yards weren’t enough to overtake Tua Tagovailoa. Tua statistically had a very good season, but his 33 interceptions likely were the reason the Dolphins lost a few close games last season. He is still very young and is the franchise quarterback for the Dolphins, but he needs to take better care of the football if he wants his team to have success in the future.
RT Mitchell Schwartz –
The Dolphins traded away a second and third round pick for the upcoming draft to the Saints in order to acquire Mitchell Schwartz. He gave up 8 sacks in the 10 games that he played as a Dolphin. He was still voted to the 2021 Pro Bowl because of his tenacity and grit. Schwartz is still the league’s best right tackle, but you’d expect a player as special as Schwartz to protect the quarterback a bit better than how he did this season. The Dolphins are expected to resign Mitchell Schwartz in the offseason and they are counting on him to protect Tua’s blindside for the next couple seasons.
WRs Jaylen Waddle and Will Fuller –
Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle were both selected to the 2021 Pro Bowl and it shows the balance that the Dolphins offense displayed this season. Fuller and Waddle both had 67 receptions, but Waddle finished with 1,456 receiving yards versus 1,438 receiving yards for Will Fuller. Jaylen Waddle had 18 receiving touchdowns and Will Fuller caught 15 touchdowns. Both of the wide receivers averaged 21 yards per catch, however, Jaylen Waddle averaged 112 receiving yards per game compared to Will Fuller’s average of 84 receiving yards per game. The duo combined for 49% (2,894) of Tua Tagovailoa’s total passing yards. Will Fuller has been able to mentor Jaylen Waddle this season and the 28 year old receiver has expressed interest in retiring as a Dolphin when his contract expires after the 2024 season.
ROLB Andrew Van Ginkel –
Andrew Van Ginkel was one of the best defensive players in the league this season. He has come a long way since being drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft. He had a breakout season where he racked up 57 tackles (35 solo and 22 assisted), 20 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 5 interceptions, 4 deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 touchdown. He was voted as the Defensive player of the year, linebacker of the year, and was selected to the 2021 Pro Bowl. Van Ginkel is in the last year of his rookie contract and it is expected that the Dolphins will make him one of the highest edge rushers in the league.
Despite not being selected to the 2021 Pro Bowl, there were a few other players on the Dolphins who helped the team tremendously. Both of these players stood out among the rest based on their performance and ability to make big plays under tremendous pressure –
HB Salvon Ahmed –
Salvon Ahmed was an undrafted free agent who was originally signed and cut by the San Francisco 49ers, but the Miami Dolphins claimed him off the waivers, and he was able to beat Myles Gaskin for the starting spot in the pre-season. Ahmed was the leading back for most of the season. He carried the ball 179 times and rushed for 767 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was the Dolphins leading receiver racking in 81 catches. Salvon Ahmed had 923 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. The Dolphins leaned heavily on the passing game this season and Salvon Ahmed was a three down back who quickly grew into the system and he was rewarded with a three year extension worth an average of $5M per year.
MLB Jerome Baker –
In his fourth year as a Dolphins, Jerome Baker emerged as an all around talent that could roam the middle of the field and be the captain for the defense. He had 95 total tackles (58 solo and 37 assists) 12 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 7 interceptions, 4 deflections, and 3 fumble recoveries this season. Jerome Baker was a three down linebacker that was up to be a free agent after this season, but the Dolphins extended him an offer that will keep him in Miami for the next three seasons.
Honorable Mention –
FS Jason McCourty –
The Miami Dolphins have not and are not expected to offer an extension to McCourty despite his excellent level of play this season. He is turning 35 this year and on the verge of retirement, but he had the third most tackles for the Dolphins this season with 75 (47 solo and 28 assists). Jason McCourty led the defense with 8 interceptions and 11 deflections. Despite his age, he played in all 17 games and didn’t get hurt at all. It is expected that McCourty will garner some interest in free agency. He regressed a lot, but his speed and acceleration are still ideal for the safety position.
* All statistics were gathered from the connected franchise in game.
