The Top 10 Performers in the Dolphins Midseason Report
The first half of the 2023 season saw several outstanding individual performances from the Miami Dolphins.
There really isn’t a halfway point anymore, unless you count halftime of a team’s ninth game, since the NFL will be switching to a 17-game regular season in 2021. However, since the Miami Dolphins are going to be going on a bye after nine games, we’ve decided to make this the halfway point.
In light of this, we present our ranking of the top 10 performers in this installment of the Dolphins Midseason Report series. Given the team’s string of impressive performances, this was undoubtedly not an easy task.
The Dolphins’ best candidate for MVP is Tua Tagovailoa because it’s a quarterback award, and that’s just how the NFL operates. However, despite the fact that his final game was somewhat forgettable, there’s no denying what Hill accomplished in the first half of the season. With the exception of the long touchdown pass from Mike White to Robbie Chosen in garbage time against Denver, Hill is still on pace to record the NFL’s first-ever 2,000-yard season. In addition to his impressive stat line, Hill’s speed has an unparalleled effect on opposing defenses and how they approach the Dolphins.
2. Q-B Tagovailoa Tua
Tua had a strong first half, as evidenced by the close race for first place that Hill and Tua had. He was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September, leads the NFL in passer rating and a number of other statistical categories, and has been the catalyst for the most potent offense in the league.
3. Orig Bradley C. Brown
Because of the early fireworks, the defense has lost ground to the offense, but some guys on that side of the ball have done excellent work, and that cannot be overlooked. And it has to start with Chubb, who is tied for the NFL lead in forced fumbles with four and on pace to reach double digits in sacks.
DT 4. Wilkins, Christian
So much for Wilkins’ “hold-in” during training camp impairing his regular-season performance. Wilkins has been a force for the majority of the season, and that includes as a pass rusher in addition to his customary excellent work against the run. Well, maybe it did a little in the early going. With 4.5 sacks, Wilkins has already tied his career high, and his 12 QB hits are just one shy of his best.
5. Running back Raheem Mostert: Although the Dolphins offense has focused primarily on passing, and Mostert has been somewhat overshadowed by De’Von Achane and his long runs, it is impossible to ignore Mostert’s 13 touchdowns, even though he is on pace to gain 1,142 yards and an average of 5.6 yards per carry.
6. RB De’Von Achane If he had participated in more than four games (actually, just three, since he only had one carry in one of them), Achane would probably be ranked higher on this list. As it stands, Achane’s absurd 12.1 rushing average merits a spot on this list, largely because of the three longest runs the Dolphins have had this season: 76 yards against NYG, 67 yards against DEN, and 55 yards at BUF.
DT 7. Sieler Zach
Because Sieler isn’t particularly showy, his efforts are occasionally disregarded, unless he recovers from a blunder, as he did in Germany against the Chiefs. However, Sieler plays a part in the Dolphins’ success against the run game since that disastrous Week 1 game against the Chargers. Furthermore, Sieler has already recorded four sacks, and his 11 quarterback hits rank second on the team, only surpassed by Wilkins’ 12.
8. CB Howard Xavien
We continue to be astounded by the amount of criticism Howard receives from some fans and commentators who wish to argue that he is overvalued or in decline. Howard has only had one interception this season, but his opponent passer rating when targeted (per PFR) is a very good 73.3. After making five passes, he has been
defeated for just one touchdown (in the game against Denver when wide receiver Courtland Sutton changed course and ran over in the offensive backfield as Russell Wilson ran over).
LB 9. Vincent Andrew Ginkel
Let’s talk about maximizing your chances. Van Ginkel started the season as a swing linebacker who would cover both inside and outside. However, after Jaelan Phillips got hurt, he was forced to play outside full-time and he did a fantastic job. AVG is tied for third in QB hits with 10, tied for third in sacks with four, and tied for first with Chubb in tackles for loss with seven, despite his 11th-place defensive snap total on the squad.
Ten. RG Hunter Robert
After a close contest between Hunt and Austin Jackson, the right tackle, we decided to honor Hunt for his contributions to the offensive line’s success. This season, Hunt has been especially successful as a run blocker.
