Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns
Final Score: Browns 31, Dolphins 6
Writer: Steven Pintado (@coachstevenp)
This was an ugly football game from start to finish — two struggling teams battling it out in miserable weather. The sloppy conditions played a major role in the outcome, as neither offense could find a consistent rhythm. The Browns managed to take advantage of penalties and turnovers, converting those mistakes into much-needed points. Outside of one explosive run by Quinshon Judkins, however, the Browns’ offense was otherwise lifeless.
As for the Dolphins, things weren’t much better. De’Von Achane was the lone bright spot, but the rest of the offense never found its footing. The offensive line provided little protection, and Tua Tagovailoa’s three interceptions sealed Miami’s fate. In a game defined by mistakes and poor weather, the Browns simply made fewer of them.
Two Up
- Quinshon Judkins – The Rookie made the most of a good matchup and was able to score 3 touchdowns.
- De’Von Achane – Even in a tough matchup, Achane supplied most of Miami’s entire offense.
Three Down
- Tua Tagovailoa – Throwing 3 picks already puts you on the down list, but there were many other mental mistakes from the Dolphins quarterback.
- Both Passing Games – Neither passing game did much at all in this matchup.
- The Fans – While the Browns did win for their supporters, this was a tough watch for both fan bases.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa: 12/23, 100 Yards, 3 INT | 3 Carries, 6 Yards
It was a rough day for the Dolphins’ quarterback. Early on, Tua Tagovailoa showed decent timing on his throws, but the wet conditions made it tough for his receivers to hang on to the ball. As the game went on, everything seemed to unravel for Tagovailoa. Two of his three interceptions were entirely on him — poor reads and off-target throws. His first turnover came on a bobble by De’Von Achane that slipped right into the hands of the defense.
The offensive line provided little help, as Tagovailoa was constantly under pressure and forced to scramble. He even fumbled a few snaps but was fortunate enough to recover them. After the 3rd interception for the day, Tagovailoa was benched. Overall, it was a performance that highlighted his dependency on the talent around him — without consistent support, Tagovailoa looked like an average quarterback at best.
Quinn Ewers: 5/8, 53 Yards | 1 Carry
The seventh-round rookie finally saw some action in this game, and his debut was a rollercoaster. His first drive was rough — he nearly threw an interception on his first pass and almost lost a fumble. However, he settled in a bit on his second drive, flashing his quick release even though his accuracy remained inconsistent. The highlight came when he delivered an impressive 40-yard strike to Dee Eskridge with a defender right in his face. Still, despite the spark, it’s doubtful Miami makes a quarterback switch anytime soon.
Running Back
De’Von Achane: 13 Carries, 82 Yards | 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 16 Yards
The only Dolphins player who had a decent day was De’Von Achane. Despite facing a tough matchup, Achane used his elite speed and toughness to rip off several big runs throughout the game. He consistently showed the burst to get to the edge, with multiple chunk gains of four to five yards, even in poor conditions. He nearly broke free for a touchdown in the second quarter but was tripped up with open space ahead of him.
Achane’s involvement in the passing game also appeared to increase, especially after Darren Waller left the game with an injury in the second quarter. At this point, Achane remains one of the few bright spots in an otherwise struggling Dolphins offense.
Ollie Gordon II: 5 Carries, 11 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 2 Yards
Rookie Ollie Gordon II saw some opportunities in this game, though he probably could have leaned on his physical running style a bit more. Most of his work came late in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a strong 8-yard run that showed some burst and balance. For now, his role remains limited as long as Achane stays healthy and commands the majority of the backfield touches.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Jaylen Waddle: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 15 Yards
Star receiver Jaylen Waddle had a game to forget, managing just 15 yards on the day. Most of the targets thrown his way were either off-target or put him in poor positions to make a play. His lone reception came on a 15-yard sliding grab in the first quarter. Waddle was able to get open downfield multiple times, but Tagovailoa simply couldn’t connect with him.
Later in the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Quinn Ewers put Waddle in a tough spot on a high throw that left him shaken up, though there’s been no word yet on the severity. Assuming he’s healthy, Waddle should bounce back quickly — especially once the Dolphins are out of the rain and back in more favorable conditions.
Malik Washington: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 30 Yards
Malik Washington led the team in targets with eight, operating primarily in the short area of the field. His role in the Miami offense continues to center around quick-hitting routes and wide receiver screens designed to take advantage of his speed. Unfortunately, those plays didn’t generate much success against the Browns’ defense.
His best moment came on a well-executed wheel route where he found an open spot in man coverage for a solid gain. Despite the increased involvement, Washington remains a minimal threat in Miami’s offense and offers limited fantasy value at this time.
Dee Eskridge: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 45 Yards, Fumble (LOST)
Tanner Conner: 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 28 Yards
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 16 Yards
Julian Hill: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 1 Yard
Darren Waller: Injured
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback
Dillon Gabriel: 13/18 116 Yards | 4 Carries, 12 Yards
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel was just okay in this game. He managed the offense well enough to sustain a few long drives, but his overall performance as a passer left plenty to be desired, given the poor weather conditions. Most of his throws were short, within five yards of the line of scrimmage, as the Browns leaned on a conservative game plan. He missed Jerome Ford on a potential wide-open touchdown but made a poor throw to Jerry Jeudy instead.
Gabriel nearly threw an interception in the third quarter, but it was wiped out by a Dolphins penalty. On the positive side, he showed flashes of his scrambling ability, extending plays and picking up a few yards with his legs. Overall, Gabriel did enough to avoid being bad — but he was far from impressive.
Running Back
Quinshon Judkins: 25 Carries, 84 Yards, 3 TDs
Everyone expected rookie Quinshon Judkins to dominate the Dolphins’ run defense, but his performance was a mixed bag. While he found the end zone three times, his overall rushing efficiency was disappointing given the favorable matchup. Outside of his explosive 46-yard touchdown run early in the game, Judkins’ production was fairly pedestrian. His other two scores came on short runs from inside the 5-yard line.
Removing that long run, Judkins managed just 58 yards on 24 carries — a concerning 2.4 yards per carry. Too often, he appeared hesitant behind the line, waiting for holes that never opened as Miami’s front seven generated quick penetration. He also wasn’t involved in the passing game, failing to record a single target.
Judkins’ three-touchdown outing looks great in the box score, but his inefficiency on the ground raises some red flags moving forward — especially if the Browns can’t consistently open running lanes for him.
Dylan Sampson: 3 Carries, 8 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards
The Browns’ other rookie, Dylan Sampson, had a limited role in this game despite Cleveland jumping out to an early lead. Most of his touches came on a single drive in the fourth quarter once the outcome was already decided. His usage remains minimal, and he appears firmly behind Quinshon Judkins and in a split role with Jerome Ford in the backfield rotation.
Jerome Ford: 1 Carry | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards
There’s not much to say about Ford’s performance in this one. He saw just two short targets and had minimal involvement overall. Ford actually found himself open for a potential touchdown on a short out route, but Gabriel failed to see him and never made the throw. His limited backup role was split with Sampson, keeping his usage and fantasy impact to a minimum.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr.: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 36 Yards
Many expected rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to have a big game with David Njoku off the field, but the Browns didn’t need to lean on the passing game much in this one. Even so, Fannin Jr. quietly led the team in targets despite the poor weather heavily limiting Cleveland’s aerial attack.
Most of his yardage came late in the fourth quarter on a 19-yard reception, but his usage was encouraging. The Browns lined him up all over the field — downfield, over the middle, and even on tight end screens — showcasing how much they value his versatility. Fannin Jr. remains an intriguing weapon for the Browns, though game script and weather kept his opportunities in check against the Dolphins.
Jerry Jeudy: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 17 Yards
Similar to Fannin, Jerry Jeudy wasn’t heavily involved in this matchup. He made a few solid catches on short passes over the middle, but his other two targets were poorly thrown by Gabriel. Jeudy has struggled to produce all season, so it’s no surprise he finished with just 17 receiving yards in this one. The positive game script and poor weather both played major roles in limiting his opportunities downfield.
Jamari Trash: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 23 Yards
Malachi Corley: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 17 Yards
Blake Whiteheart: 1 Target1, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Gage Larvadain: 1 Target
Isaiah Bond: 0 Targets