Miami Dolphins: Studs and duds vs. Colts in second-straight win
Many thought the Miami Dolphins would go winless but a win over the Colts on Sunday gives them two straight victories. The Fins’ studs and duds in Week 10.
Winning was something that seemed as if it would inevitably elude the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 season. But after earning a victory over the New York Jets last week, the Dolphins have doubled up on that with their second-straight win, topping the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday in Week 10.
Brian Hoyer started for an injured Jacoby Brissett for the Colts on Sunday, which no doubt made things easier for Miami. They picked off the backup quarterback three times in the victory but, for how this Dolphins squad looked early in the year, even that is impressive for them.
Though it may ruin their quest for the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Dolphins still have a ton of draft capital to build with. On top of that, it’s just refreshing to see a suffering fanbase get a victory. Let’s look back at the win, though, by highlighting the studs and duds from the Dolphins.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Stud: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB
Was Ryan Fitzpatrick perfect on Sunday in Indianapolis? Not even close. He averaged only 5.1 yards per attempt, threw an interception and didn’t throw a touchdown. However, he also completed 21 of his 33 attempts for 168 yards and managed the offense well.
The veteran quarterback was sure-handed throughout the game, including Miami’s only trip to the end zone on an 11-yard rush. Fitzpatrick has not been full-blown FitzMagic yet this season but there’s no denying the leadership he’s provided over the last two weeks.
Dud: Mike Gesicki, TE
With Preston Williams out of the lineup, many fans expected athletic freak and Combine-Warrior Mike Gesicki to start breaking out, especially after some impressive showings as of late. Against Indianapolis, though, Gesicki failed to deliver.
The Penn State product caught only three of his six targets on the day for just 28 yards. Furthermore, he put one of those receptions on the turf, a fumble that was recovered by the Colts. In a game where the Dolphins needed him to take a step forward in his young career, Gesicki did not bring his A-game.
Stud: Nik Needham, CB
In truth, the Dolphins secondary as a whole could get a nod as a stud against the Colts. Faced with a favorable matchup as Hoyer took over for an injured Brissett, Miami took advantage with three interceptions on the day. However, Nik Needham gets the nod for his interception but also overall production.
Needham’s pick was a momentum-turner int he second half, picking off Hoyer after Miami had just taken back the lead, 13-12, which allowed the Dolphins to kick another field goal and extend the lead to four points. With that, six total tackles, one QB hit and three passes defensed, it was a banner day for the UTEP product.
Dud: Kalen Ballage, RB
After Kenyan Drake was traded and then Mark Walton received his suspension, Kalen Ballage was in line to take a huge uptick in touches. That indeed happened in Week 10 as he got the ball 24 times. The problem was he did almost nothing with.
Ballage finished Sunday’s contest with only 43 rushing yards on 20 carries and just two yards on his four receptions. For a player that has the athletic talent that the Arizona State product possesses, it’s frustrating to see him be so ineffective for Miami — even if the offensive line does him no favors.
Stud: DeVante Parker, WR
For many years, Dolphins fans have been waiting on DeVante Parker to have his breakout season. Entering this year, though, it had never happened. It was more of a punchline than a reality, even when Miami elected to re-sign him this offseason. However, Parker has shined as of late, including in the win over the Colts.
Next. 2020 NFL Mock Draft: Burrow to Dolphins, Raiders get Ruggs. dark
Parker led Miami in targets (10), receptions (5) and yards (69) on the day and, outside of Fitzpatrick, was the Dolphins’ most consistent weapon on offense. With the injuries on that side of the ball, the former first-round pick could be on his way to proving himself.