Beyond the Phins marquee names, there is a growing swell of talent emerging
The Phins are 3 games into their 2020 Season and the picture is growing clearer about what type of team they are this year. Now, the image is still fuzzy, but the next few weeks should clear plenty up. Still, some themes have been consistent so far… and a strong underswell of young, 2nd tier players is one of them.
Obviously, star players are key to NFL success, but the talent level and depth of the supporting cast are just as important–maybe even more so. While Miami doesn’t have even a single elite player, they do have a few flirting with stardom. DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Xavien Howard, Kyle Van Noy, and Byron Jones are the Phins’ best players. I’m betting with the best pay per head review sites that at least one will have their name attached to ‘game-breaker’ by year’s end. And, if you forced it out of me, I think Parker and Gesicki will be pro bowl selections by season’s end.
But, what the Phins clearly have is a swell of supporting players proving themselves to be quality additions to the roster. And, the truth is, this is the best barometer for consistency. Stars can take over games and allow inferior teams to win with their exceptional talent, but teams with quality depth have greater consistency week-in and week-out and that creates long-term success.
2nd Tier offensive players on the rise
- Isaiah Ford is finally coming into his own with his good hands, route running, and size. His PFF grade of 67.2 to go along with his 103 and 8 first downs on the season is an excellent early season report card. And Ford’s 34 run-blocking reps with a PFF grade of 66.3 is the Phins best for a receiver. Ford is a money saver considering Jarvis Landry has a 66.9 PFF grade, 143 yards, and 7 first downs.
- While Jakeem Grant has been less than stellar in the return game, he is starting to build momentum in the passing game and has strung together a few key plays. This is a make or break season for Grant if he wants to be back in 2021. So far, Grant has shown toughness, improved routes, and consistency to go along with his blazing speed. If he can put it all together, look out!
- Myles Gaskin IS and will be the #1 running back of the Miami Dolphins… if he can bounce back from a down game in pass protection. His blocking fell from the high 60s to mid-50s by PFF standards. In Weeks 1-2 he was excellent, but he slipped in Week 3. Everything is a go for him to have a bright future… if he can protect the quarterback.
- Durham Smythe isn’t an offensive threat, but he has been good enough in his blocking to be ranked the 32nd TE in the NFL on blocking alone. He is leading the Phins TEs in blocking plays and has a 72.3 and 68.3 in pass and run blocking, respectively. His run blocking grade has him ranked 16th best in the NFL, along with Gesicki who is ranked 5th, the Phins have quite a force to move the ground game.
2nd Tier defensive players on the rise
- At least for one game, Zach Seiler proved to be a valuable upgrade on the defensive line. Seiler showed he could be a factor in both the pass rush and run support. While I’ve been high on Seiler, the time for him to take his spot with some big games coming up. The matchup between Godchaux and Seiler will be one of my keys to watching the next game.
- Andrew Van Ginkel has had an amazing performance with limited snaps earning a PFF grade of 78.8 ranking him 9th best edge defender out of 98 other players! With only 44 snaps though has is playing just 25% of a starter. But, he had 18 of those snaps in Week 3 in pass defense and provide a good deal of much-needed pressure. Can he develop into a full-time player? Van Ginkel is a major storyline for a Phins team severely lacking the ability to pressure a QB.
- Christian Wilkins took a small step back in Week, but his play still has him ranks 17th of all interior defensive linemen. His tape really impresses and gives a ton of context to his small stat line. Wilkens is showing plenty for a second-year player with his 132 snaps, 22 more than the next interior linemen Davon Godchaux. Seiler took some snaps from Wilkens and even more from Godchaux and Davis. A good rotation is critical. I expect a fresh Wilkens this week will look more like Week 1 and 2.
While the defense has been a big topic of conversation, there appears to be an upward trend
- Shaq Lawson is on pace to produce his second-best season with a PFF grade of 68.9 in both his pass rush and overall grade. Like Wilkens, Lawson received a break this week and had fewer snaps in the run game thanks Grugier-Hill and Van Ginkel taking some of the load. The loss of Vince Biegel is certainly being felt on the edge. If both Hill and Van Ginkel can continue to step up, I expect fresh edge rushers to apply more pressure going forward.
- Wearing #29 (formerly Minkah Fitzpatrick’s number) Brandon Jones has started from Day 1. His PFF grade is currently 62.8 (best for Phins safeties) and 30th in the NFL, which bests Minkah’s grade of 51.2. Why do I feel really good about this?!
- Kamu Grugier-Hill is struggling a bit in run defense, but he is the best cover LB (nearly double that of Roberts and Baker) with his 72.6 over 31 coverage snaps. His play has allowed Van Noy to get more edge play and helped with the rotation. Miami is desperate for any quality play at linebacker. This is their weakest unit.
The key for Phins fans to watch for is the development of talent
We all want enough wins that lead to the Dolphins making the playoffs. But, given all the new pieces and we are in Year 2 of the rebuild, player development should be the real focus. Not everything has been rosy, but the good is rising well above the bad. The next few games will tell a ton. Go Phins!!!