Dolphins clicking on all sides as they head into their bye

Updated Nov. 14, 2022 6:19 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins already built a formidable resumé before Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.

A comeback victory against Baltimore. An upset win over their divisional opponent Buffalo.

They’ve won defensive battles and high-scoring slugfests.

Miami's 39-17 rout of Cleveland on Sunday was the dominant win the Dolphins (7-3) needed. And it couldn’t have come at a better time as they'll head into their bye week alone in first place in the AFC East after Buffalo lost to Minnesota and fell to a tie with the New York Jets.

“We probably played our most complete game today in all three phases,” Miami defensive end Christian Wilkins said. “Yeah, there were things we can clean up on and things we can get better on, but this is probably our most complete."

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s confidence and command of the offense is growing more evident with each game, and it has made the Dolphins nearly unstoppable.

The three highest-rated games of his career have come in the past three weeks, capped by Sunday’s performance in which he completed 25 of 32 passes for 285 yards, threw three touchdowns and no interceptions for a 135.0 passer rating.

Tagovailoa hasn’t thrown an interception since he returned from a concussion in Week 7, and he said Sunday feels as though he’s playing the most consistent football of his career.

McDaniel pointed to Tagovailoa’s vision, ball placement and ability to move through his progressions at lightning speed as the reasons for his success.

“That’s really making it frustrating for a defensive front,” McDaniel said. “You’re in pass rush mode and you can’t get to them. ... So he is doing a lot of things visually, manipulating defenders, making really good throws and getting the ball out.”

The Dolphins are closing in on their first playoff berth since 2016, but they have a tough stretch coming up, with road games against San Francisco, Buffalo and the Los Angeles Chargers.

But first, they’ll have a week to rest. And McDaniel really wants them to rest.

“Deliberate practice is a brain drain,” McDaniel said. “And in order to do it the appropriate way, you have to have deliberate rest as well. So I’m a leader by example. I’m going to show these guys how to rest my butt off.”

WHAT’S WORKING

The Dolphins’ trade for Jeff Wilson looks to be the spark they needed in their running game. His physicality has complemented Raheem Mostert’s quickness, and the result was Miami’s best rushing output of the year Sunday. Wilson has 26 carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns in two games as a Dolphin.

“I don’t know who pisses him off before every game,” Wilkins said. “He is a lot of fun to watch, and I’m glad he is on our team.”

WHAT NEEDS HELP

The Dolphins' special teams gave up a huge play on the opening drive — a 48-yard kickoff return by rookie Jerome Ford — that helped set up the Browns' first touchdown. Miami has had a few special teams gaffes this season, including the now-infamous “butt-punt” against the Bills in Week 3.

STOCK UP

The defensive front. Miami sacked Cleveland's Jacoby Brissett three times and recorded 14 quarterback hits on 35 pass attempts. Miami also allowed fewer than 200 passing yards for the second straight game. The Dolphins hadn’t created a turnover since Week 7 until defensive tackle Zach Sieler forced a fumble of Browns running back Nick Chubb that was recovered by Xavien Howard.

STOCK DOWN

Jason Sanders’ two missed extra points didn’t matter much Sunday, but those points could be a much bigger deal in a closer game or in the playoffs. Sanders is 13 of 17 on field-goal attempts this season and has missed all three of his attempts of 50-plus yards. He has also missed three extra points.

INJURIES

DE Emmanuel Ogbah was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday after injuring his triceps on a play in the second quarter. ... CB Keion Crossen left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return.

KEY NUMBER

30 — The Dolphins have scored 30-plus points in three straight games for the first time since 2009.

NEXT STEPS

After their week off, the Dolphins will host the Houston Texans on Nov. 27. After that, four of their next five games will be on the road.

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