Panthers @ Dolphins
Final Score: Dolphins 42, Panthers 21
Writer: Justin Mello (@JustinMelloNE on Twitter)
The winless Panthers went into Miami as heavy underdogs, but they looked like they were going to play spoiler after taking a 14-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to Chuba Hubbard and Adam Thielen. That didn’t last long though as the Dolphins quickly returned to their normal high-scoring selves and poured it on the Panthers for the last three quarters of the contest. The Panthers also failed to carry any offensive momentum forward after their first couple of drives. Both teams eventually pulled their starters as the Panthers accepted that their first win of the season would have to wait, and the Dolphins retained their spot atop the AFC East.
Three Up
- Raheem Mostert – With De’Von Achane injured, Mostert is the clear top running back in this explosives offense, and he looked nearly unstoppable against Carolina
- Jaylen Waddle – He didn’t have a huge breakout game, but he was very involved in the offense and reminded us that he is still a phenomenal weapon.
- Adam Thielen – Thielen has turned back the clock to 2018. He somehow was always open in Miami.
Two Down
- D.J. Chark – He seems like more of an afterthought in this offense. He just isn’t a big enough factor to make him fantasy relevant.
- Miles Sanders – He didn’t even play in this one, but Chuba Hubbard looked good and could demand more work going forward.
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Bryce Young: 23/38, 217 yards, TD
The rookie’s performance fell well short of spectacular, but he did look like an NFL quarterback in this one which hasn’t been the case for much of this season. Bryce Young looked more comfortable in the pocket than he had previously. He was particularly successful early on in the game as he routinely found and accurately delivered the ball to Adam Thielen. He helped lead the Panthers to a 14-0 lead, but that quickly evaporated along with the production of Carolina’s offense. They struggled to move the ball and even when they did find success, they eventually stalled out. Nonetheless, Young seems to be more comfortable in Frank Reich‘s offense which is a good sign going forward. He also had a turnover-free game which is a step in the right direction.
Notes
- Seemed comfortable in the pocket, but almost too comfortable at times as he was standing flat-footed.
- More consistently accurate today.
Missed Opportunities
- Overthrew D.J. Chark on a deep shot.
Running Back
Chuba Hubbard: 19 carries, 88 yards, TD | 1 target, 1 reception, 2 yards
With Miles Sanders out due to injury, Chuba Hubbard stepped into the starting role and looked the part. I’ve admittedly been a critic of Hubbard historically given his inability to elude defenders and break off big plays in the past, but that didn’t seem to be a big issue against the Dolphins. He was effective while locating the holes that his offensive line was creating, and he hit them hard. It wasn’t anything special, but I don’t think he left many yards on the field. He also scored a touchdown in the first quarter as he exploded through the mouth of the Miami defense and powered past the goal line. He certainly made a case for more playing time even when Sanders is back.
Raheem Blackshear: 5 carries, 18 yards | 1 target, 1 reception, 4 yards
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Adam Thielen: 13 targets, 11 receptions, 115 yards, TD
The former Viking has found the fountain of youth. Adam Thielen continues to be Bryce Young’s favorite weapon. He did most of his damage in the first quarter, including his touchdown, but he slowed down after that once the rest of the offense began to struggle. It both surprises and impresses me that Thielen is able to work his way open so consistently. He was beating both man and zone coverage as he worked his way wide open on multiple occasions. The 33-year-old receiver may not be as athletic as he once was, but he again proved to be a crafty route runner against Miami.
Notes
- Exceled while working out of the slot.
- Ran multiple in-breaking and out-breaking routes.
D.J. Chark Jr.: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 26 yards
It was a quiet day for D.J. Chark. He really struggled to create separation, unlike his teammate Adam Thielen. The one time he did beat coverage downfield, he was overthrown by Bryce Young. There weren’t really any other attempts to stretch the field with Chark aside from that as Young was content with dropping the ball off underneath. The receiving depth (or lack thereof) has been a problem for Carolina and it certainly was in this contest.
Notes
- Used as a deep threat, but not heavily targeted on deep routes.
Missed Opportunities
- Could have had a chunk play on a deep ball, but it was overthrown.
Jonathan Mingo: 3 targets, 2 receptions, 21 yards
The rookie was a non-factor in this one. He had a bad drop and wasn’t able to make any significant plays on his own. He looks like one of the best natural athletes on the field, but he doesn’t look like a polished wide receiver. It’s clear he needs more work.
Notes
- Didn’t create a lot of separation as a route runner.
Missed Opportunities
- Had an ugly drop.
Hayden Hurst: 3 targets, 1 reception, 16 yards
Tight end Hayden Hurst has been an important part of the offense, but he wasn’t in this one. He only had one catch and was basically invisible other than that.
Tommy Tremble: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 25 yards
Tommy Tremble only had two catches but he did have one of the coolest highlight plays of the day when he hurdled Xavien Howard and kept powering forward for extra yardage. It was a really impressive play that showcased his athleticism, but it ultimately didn’t help the Panthers much in their blowout loss.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa: 21/31, 262 yards, 3 TDs | 1 carry
It was a slow start for the Miami offense as they punted it on their first two drives, but Tua Tagovailoa eventually got the offense going and put up his typical great numbers. Mike McDaniel found creative ways to get his stars open and Tagovailoa was accurate and smart with the football. He had his fair share of dump downs but also was very successful at airing out deep balls to the perfect spot. The Carolina defense had no answers, and Mike White eventually came in to finish out the game.
Notes
- He was once again very accurate.
- Smart with the football; knew when to check it down.
Mike White: 0/1, INT | 3 carries, -4 yards
Running Back
Raheem Mostert: 17 carries, 115 yards, 2 TDs | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 17 yards, TD
It was a monster day for Raheem Mostert. The 31-year-old looks as fast and explosive as ever. The Panthers linebackers couldn’t keep up with Mostert in the run or passing games. All three of his touchdowns were from close to the goal line, but there was also no shortage of chunk plays either. His biggest play of the day came on a toss to the left where he slipped through multiple would-be-tacklers and sprinted down the left sideline for 49 yards. Mike McDaniel loves speed, and Mostert brings it. He looked like the perfect running back for this offense on Sunday.
Notes
- Fast, but also elusive and slippery.
- Got close to bell cow usage with De’Von Achane out.
Salvon Ahmed: 6 carries, 23 yards, TD | 5 targets, 3 receptions, 11 yards
Salvon Ahmed got more work than usual with the injuries in Miami’s running back room. He plays very differently from the other speedy running backs on the team, but he was still effective against Carolina as he showcased good vision and toughness. He scored a touchdown in garbage time but didn’t do anything too extraordinary otherwise.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Tyreek Hill: 10 targets, 6 receptions, 163 yards, TD
Another Sunday, another elite performance for Tyreek Hill. Speed kills, and Hill used it to kill the Panthers secondary. It is remarkable how much separation he routinely creates downfield. Tagovailoa continuously found Hill open on deep crossing routes, and Hill added plenty of extra yards after the catch. His touchdown came on a simple fly route where he absolutely torched Donte Jackson up the right sideline. It was certainly an impressive day, but impressive days are now the norm for the man they call “Cheetah”.
Missed Opportunities
- Cramped up after catching a deep crosser and he had to step out of bounds instead of picking up even more yards.
Jaylen Waddle: 9 targets, 7 receptions, 51 yards, TD
The Alabama product got going early and scored Miami’s second touchdown of the game on an improvised play where Tagovailoa rolled left and found Jaylen Waddle open in the end zone. It was good to see Waddle get so involved after a relatively quiet start to the season. Hill and Mostert continued to be the centerpieces of the offense, but Waddle contributed in meaningful ways and led the team in receptions.
Braxton Berrios: 2 targets, 2 receptions, 20 yards
Durham Smythe: 1 target