Hello darkness, my old friend…
We all knew this was going to be a rough season for our Miami Dolphins. Maybe we didn’t realize just how tough it was going to be. On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins took on the San Francisco 49ers, and despite hanging in there in the first half — they were down just 8 points at the break — our boys in aqua and orange came out flat in the second half and were decimated by Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Christian McCaffery and company to the tune of a 35-13 defeat.
So, who did
their part on Sunday and who contributed to the 22 point drubbing? It’s Fins Up, Fins Down time…
FINS UP
Patrick Paul gets this week’s Fins Up designation. He wasn’t perfect, but on an offensive line that really struggled versus a ferocious 49ers defense, Paul held his own all day long and ended up with Pro Football Focus’ highest grade along the offense line — earning a 75.5 grade on the day (82.0 pass blocking; 69.1 run blocking).
The Dolphins will have plenty of cap space to try and get a deal done with Paul this offseason before he enters into the final year of his rookie contract. If he continues to play like the strongest member of the team’s offensive line, his payday should be a substantial one. Old friend Laremy Tunsil is the highest paid left tackle in football — averaging $30.1 million per year with the Washington Commanders. I don’t think Paul surpasses that with his new deal, but at this point, that can’t be said with any level of certainty.
FINS DOWN
From one offensive lineman to another, right tackle Austin Jackson is this week’s down player. After the contest — one in which he performed very poorly — the player himself admitted he needs to be better. Despite not officially being credited with a sack allowed on Sunday, Jackson finished the contest with a poor 45.7 grade from PFF.
If the Dolphins deem backup Caedan Wallace ready to contribute, it may not be long before Jackson is replaces as the team’s starter at the right tackle spot. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jackson ends up getting traded for a half-eaten tuna sandwich and some waffle fries at the trade deadline. Regardless, I don’t think we’ll see him suiting up for Miami in 2027 and beyond.
