MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins played their most complete game of the year in Sunday’s 34-10 victory at Atlanta. The run defense finally lived up to expectations. The offense, playing without tight end Darren Waller (pectoral), put up a season-high in points and was aided by offensive coordinator Frank Smith being on the sideline instead of upstairs in the coaches box. Special teams had two field goals and a punt inside the 20- yard line.

Oh, and the coaches drew up a well-thought game plan that incorporated three running backs, an extra offensive lineman, putting the top four pass rushers on the field at the same time twice, and even adjusting for a special teams kickoff return injury to Dee Eskridge.

It was a glorious day, but the celebration can’t last long, considering Baltimore comes to town Thursday.

Here’s the report card for the Falcons game.

Run offense: A

The Dolphins rushed for a season-best 141 yards, led by running back De’Von Achane’s 67 yards on 18 carries and boosted by rookie Ollie Gordon’s 46 yards on 10 carries and Jaylen Wright’s 28 yards on nine carries. The run game was assisted by guard Daniel Brunskill playing as the tight end/sixth offensive lineman. The added bulk and knowledge of assignments made life easier for everyone, including coach/play caller Mike McDaniel. Lastly, tip your hat to the run game allowing the pass game to utilize play-action passing, which was a great help the the passing game’s success.

Pass offense: A

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, playing with a left eye that was swollen shut when he woke up Sunday morning, was 20 for 26 for 205 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions and an impressive 138.9 passer rating. The eye ailment, possibly caused by some type of infection, was aided by the medical staff giving Tagovailoa medication. Everything else was done by players doing their jobs, starting with pass protection that only allowed one sack, that coming on the opening possession. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (five receptions, 99 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown) was the star. But wide receiver Malik Washington (four receptions, 36 yards, one touchdown ), Achane (five receptions, 24 yards, one touchdown) and Gordon (one reception, 20 yards, one touchdown) also did good work.

Run defense: A

This is how the Dolphins won, by holding the Falcons to 41 yards rushing. Running back Bijan Robinson (nine carries, 25 yards) had no holes to run through and often faced two or three tacklers as the Dolphins swarmed around the ball. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks (10 tackles, three for loss) set the tempo. But safety Ifeatu Melifonwu and linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Willie Gay Jr. each had five tackles and helped contribute to a defense that was aggressive, angry and disciplined, a combination the Dolphins haven’t displayed often. You know the Dolphins entered the game with the league’s worst defense, allowing 159.3 yards per game. This was a performance that might endure as the season’s best.

Pass defense: A

Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (21 of 31, 173 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions) wasn’t good as a last-minute replacement for Michael Penix Jr. (knee). But that was largely due to the Dolphins’ defense. Yes, the Falcons were also missing wide receiver Drake London, but the Dolphins’ secondary kept the passing game in check. Tight end Kyle Pitts (nine receptions, 59 yards) did limited damage. The pass defense was solid. Credit a cornerback rotation that included starters Rasul Douglas and Jack Jones and was aided by reserves Storm Duck, who was playing his first game since sustaining an ankle injury in the opener but left with a knee injury; Kendall Sheffield, cut in training camp but re-signed Oct. 18; and Ethan Bonner. Safeties Melifonwu (hand) and Minkah Fitzpatrick (finger) suffered injuries.

Special teams: A

Kicker Riley Patterson was 2 for 2 on field goals and punter Jake Bailey had three punts for 148 yards, including one inside the Falcons’ 20-yard line. Eskridge left the game with a shoulder injury, but Gordon filled in as a kickoff returner. Coverage teams were strong, too.

Coaching: A

McDaniel had his best game of the season, as did defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Smith and special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman. Inserting Brunskill as an extra blocker was genius. The run defense led the way but every group had success against Atlanta. This was a welcome relief for a coaching staff that’s been under fire all season. McDaniel won’t be asked about his job security this week, and there won’t be questions about which assistant coach is best suited to serve as interim coach.

Stock up: Run defense/Anthony Weaver

The run defense was the biggest disappointment of the season, and Weaver, one of the NFL’s hottest head coach prospects, wasn’t far behind. Sunday’s performance boosts both. The Dolphins did everything Weaver has been coaching  them to do as far as everyone doing their jobs, trusting that their teammate will do his job and tackling the ball carrier instead of trying to force turnovers by stripping the ball.

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Stock down: reserve tight ends

This might be a bit unfair. After all, the reserve tight ends — Tanner Conner, Hayden Rucci, Greg Dulcich — are reserves because they’re not as good as starters Darren Waller (pectoral) and Julian Hill (ankle). But the fact that Brunskill, a guard, did their jobs better than they’ve done them all season sends up a red flag.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/10/27/grading-the-dolphins-34-10-victory-over-the-atlanta-falcons/