MIAMI GARDENS ― The Dolphins got another look at their rookie class on Sunday, and one of the youngest players on the roster came away with a milestone. Cornerback Chris Johnson grabbed the first interception of his career in the first quarter, helping highlight a defense that held up better than the final score suggested in Miami’s 19-9 loss to the Detroit Lions on Nov. 8.
Johnson’s takeaway came on a tipped Jared Goff pass that was disrupted by Josh Uche. It also gave Miami a little piece of history: the Dolphins now have three rookies with interceptions this season, something the team had never done before. Jacob Rodriguez and Michael Taaffe were already on that list before Johnson joined them.
Miami’s defense did its part for stretches, but the offense and special teams couldn’t keep pace. Malik Willis threw a key interception, and the Dolphins had more miscues in the kicking game. Detroit improved to 6-2, while Miami fell to 1-7.
Jacob Rodriguez continued to be around the football, as usual. He was credited with a tackle for loss in the first half, though the play was recorded as his first sack because he chased Goff out of bounds for no gain. He also finished among Miami’s top tacklers.
The Dolphins got some production from Caleb Douglas, who turned in the strongest day among the rookie pass catchers. He went high for a 20-yard grab from Willis in the first quarter, drew a pass interference flag on third down in the third quarter, then added an 11-yard catch and a 12-yard catch to move the chains. He did have a fourth-quarter drop on fourth down, but he still stood out as Miami’s best receiver at this point.
Chris Bell had a quieter afternoon. He couldn’t finish a short in-route from Willis, and his catch percentage still hasn’t been where it needs to be through the first half of the season.
Kevin Coleman, Jr. flashed in a couple of different ways. A holding penalty on Will Kacmarek wiped out what would have been a 51-yard completion from Willis to Coleman, and Coleman later picked up 16 yards on a reverse pitch. Miami is making a point of getting him more involved, and the rookie has shown why.
Taaffe saw action in coverage as Miami leaned heavily on zone looks, and the approach worked well enough to keep the Lions from hitting many explosive pass plays.
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