INDIANAPOLIS — Grading the Miami Dolphins for their 33-8 season-opening loss to the Indianapolis Colts:
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa opened with two early turnovers, one on a fumble, the other on a sack/fumble that former Dolphin Xavien Howard recovered. When he threw an unforced interception to open the second half, things were more than settled.
Grade: F
Running backs
De’Von Achane was the featured back in name only for most of the day. At least he accounted for Miami’s only touchdown, powering his way into the end zone from 11 yards out with 6 1/2 minutes left. He couldn’t have been much of a factor most of the afternoon. Indy’s early lead wiped out the run game for Miami. Any hope we’d see what rookie Ollie Gordon can do will have to wait for another day.
Grade: D—plus on strength of one play
Receivers
Was it a lack of opportunities with Tagovailoa having an off day or Tagovailoa having an off day because of his receivers?
Grade: F
Offensive line
Guard James Daniels was injured early, replaced by Kion Smith. Daniels has a pectoral injury, which isn’t a good sign. The Colts harassed Tagovailoa most of the day.
Grade: F
Defensive line
Daniel Jones looked far too comfortable in the pocket and came away looking more like Peyton Manning.
Grade: F
Linebackers
Name a big play by a linebacker.
Grade: F
Defensive backs
Storm Duck was the closest man to Michael Pittman on a 27-yard touchdown reception but appeared to be wondering where his help was. That’s a cohesiveness issue in the secondary. Duck was ruled out of the game at halftime with an ankle injury, another injury at a position of questionable depth.
Grade: F
Special teams
Matthew Judon nullified a rare stop by Miami’s D by running into the punter, giving the Colts a cheap first down.
Grade: F
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Grading Miami Dolphins for blowout loss to Indianapolis Colts
