It has undoubtedly been a nightmare start for the Miami Dolphins this year. If someone told me the Miami Dolphins would be 2-5 seven weeks into the season, I would say they are playing a cruel joke on me. However, even through all of the chaos and failure, there have been some players who deserve their praise for their performance this year. While the majority of players are playing below their standard, there are a few standouts that are keeping the season from being a COMPLETE catastrophe. Below I will list the players who are playing significantly above the expectations set for them. Let’s get into it.
The first player I want to highlight is Aaron Brewer, who has been flat out phenomenal for Miami so far this year. Him, Austin Jackson, and Terron Armstead have been good starters on what is a shaky offensive line. Brewer came over in free agency from the Tennessee Titans, he was a center and guard over there in Nashville. Brewer is undersized, weighing under 290lbs, but general manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel knew they were getting a gem when they signed him to a 2 year deal worth up to $16million total. Brewer has only allowed 3 total pressures on the year which is 2nd least in the NFL for an offensive lineman. Where he is even more impressive is the run game, where he is a people mover and perfect athlete for Mike McDaniel’s zone run scheme system. Chris Grier deserves his props with this signing, when many Dolphins fans were panicking and attacking Grier for not bringing back Connor Williams, Grier signed what looks to be a home run hitting center.
The next player I want to highlight is rookie sensation out of Tennessee Jaylen Wright. Dolphins fans were aware they got another fast talented back in the 2024 NFL draft, but I do not believe they were aware that Wright would be THIS GOOD. Wright is still young, and he has talented backs in front of him, but he has been extremely impressive. He is a home run hitter and when his name is called on he makes the most of his opportunity. Wright shoots out of a cannon when he touches the ball and is difficult to bring down, he shows impressive contact balance. Wright is averaging 5.3 yards per carry this year, and has 190 rushing yards. Having Raheem Mostert and Devon Achane in front of him is what is handicapping him from being a true dominant back in this league, but his time will come to take over.
The last player I want to talk about is Kendall Fuller, Fuller was brought in on a 2 year deal this offseason worth up to $18million. Fuller was a great cornerback in Washington, and has been impressive this year for Miami as a boundary corner. I think he fits in well in a scheme where Dolphins defenders can use their eyes in zone coverage but man up on crucial 3rd downs. He has not allowed many explosive plays at all this year, and has made big plays in man coverage especially as of recent. He has 16 tackles and 4 pass breakups on the year.