Dolphins Grind Out Gritty Win Over Saints Behind Defense, Achane’s Breakout
The Miami Dolphins didn’t put together a masterpiece on Sunday, but they did enough to walk away with a 21-17 win over the New Orleans Saints - a game that leaned more on grit than glamour. While the offense sputtered at times, the defense and run game stepped up in key moments, helping Miami secure a crucial late-season victory.
Let’s break down the performance, unit by unit.
Quarterback: A Rough Day at the Office for Tua
Tua Tagovailoa had one of those games where nothing came easy. After a fumble recovery by Zach Sieler set Miami up with a golden opportunity, Tagovailoa gave it right back, throwing an interception while targeting Jaylen Waddle. Later, he missed a wide-open Julian Hill on a third-and-1 - a throw that should’ve been automatic.
He was sacked four times, and while some of that falls on the offensive line, there were moments when Tagovailoa simply held the ball too long. He flirted with disaster again in the second half with a near-pick that could’ve flipped the game.
Grade: D+
Running Backs: Achane Hits 1,000 and Keeps Climbing
If there was a bright spot on offense, it was De’Von Achane. The rookie running back wasted no time, breaking off a 29-yard touchdown run to open the scoring and setting the tone for the day. He finished with 134 yards and crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the season - an impressive milestone, especially considering it’s only his 12th game.
Achane continues to be a game-changer, combining elite speed with vision and toughness between the tackles. He was the engine of Miami’s offense on a day when they desperately needed one.
Grade: A
Receivers: Quiet Day with a Few Flashes
Tight end Darren Waller made his return felt early with a 34-yard catch - though it’s worth noting the Saints left him completely uncovered on the play. Outside of that, the receiving corps didn’t do much to tilt the field. With Tagovailoa struggling, the passing game never found its rhythm.
Grade: C+
Offensive Line: Run Blocking Strong, Pass Protection Shaky
Right tackle Austin Jackson was back in the starting lineup and immediately made an impact, helping spring Achane’s long touchdown run. Fullback Alec Ingold and tight end Julian Hill also laid key blocks that opened rushing lanes.
But while the line was solid in the run game, pass protection was inconsistent. Tagovailoa took four sacks, and while not all were on the line, the pocket collapsed too often for comfort.
Grade: B-
Defensive Line: Sieler and Biggers Make Their Presence Felt
Zach Sieler continues to be one of Miami’s most dependable defenders. He hustled to bring down a Saints ball carrier for a loss and recovered a fumble after Minkah Fitzpatrick’s strip-sack. Zeek Biggers chipped in with half a sack, adding to a solid day for the front.
Grade: B
Linebackers: Robinson Delivers a Statement Game
This was a standout performance from Miami’s linebackers. Tyrell Dodson broke up a third-down pass to force a punt, Jordyn Brooks added a tackle for loss, and Bradley Chubb notched a third-down sack that stopped a Saints drive cold.
But the star of the group was rookie Chop Robinson. He recorded 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, a tackle for loss, and made the game-sealing play - stuffing Saints QB Tyler Shough on a fourth-and-1 with just 29 seconds left. That’s a statement moment from a young player who’s coming into his own.
Grade: B
Defensive Backs: Fitzpatrick’s Heroics Seal the Win
The Dolphins’ secondary came up huge in the biggest moments. Minkah Fitzpatrick had a strip-sack early that led to a fumble recovery, but his signature play came with 1:17 left - intercepting a two-point attempt and returning it for two points the other way. That play not only denied the Saints a chance to tie, it gave Miami a four-point cushion in the final minutes.
Rasul Douglas also stepped up, picking off a pass to snuff out a rare Saints scoring threat. The secondary wasn’t perfect, but when the game was on the line, they delivered.
Grade: A-
Special Teams: Patterson Keeps Delivering
With Jason Sanders still sidelined, Riley Patterson continues to be a steady hand. He hit all four of his field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder. In a tight game where every point mattered, Patterson’s consistency was critical.
Grade: B
Coaching: McDaniel Stays Grounded, and It Pays Off
Mike McDaniel didn’t overthink this one. He stuck with the run game, trusted his defense, and made sure the Dolphins didn’t look past a Saints team that came to play. It wasn’t flashy, but it was smart - and it got the job done.
Grade: B
Bottom Line:
It wasn’t the Dolphins’ cleanest performance, but it showed something more important - resilience. The offense had its struggles, but the defense and run game carried the load.
With the postseason picture tightening, Miami found a way to win a game that easily could’ve slipped away. And that’s the kind of toughness that matters in December.