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Stock Up, Stock Down After Miami Dolphins' 28-25 Win
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- Stock Up, Stock Down After Miami Dolphins' 28-25 Win
Miami's first win changed more than the standings. It strengthened the cases of several young players, clarified portions of the offensive hierarchy and exposed defensive issues that will shape preparation for New England.
Stock Up:
Malik Willis.The most important rise belongs to the quarterback. Willis responded to a three-turnover game against Cincinnati by producing three touchdowns and no giveaways. He completed 14 of 21 passes, added 37 yards on eight rushes and executed the fourth-and-1 sneak that ended the game. The performance does not settle every long-term question, but it proves Miami can build a winning plan around his movement and efficient passing.
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Caleb Douglas.Douglas returned from an ankle injury and reclaimed a starting role immediately. He played 44 of 65 offensive snaps and caught two touchdown passes, including the 63-yard score that stopped New York's comeback momentum. His speed and run-after-catch ability provide a different element from Miami's possession targets.
Greg Dulcich.Although Will Kacmarek started, Dulcich led the tight ends with 42 offensive snaps and caught all five targets for 86 yards. That usage confirms he is more than a situational receiver. Miami can align him as the primary middle-of-the-field answer while preserving heavier packages around him.
Ollie Gordon II. Gordon's role was already expanding , but 25 carries and 54 offensive snaps confirmed that the offense runs through him. He topped 100 yards for the second time in three starts and continued producing late. His workload creates play-action opportunities and protects Willis from excessive dropbacks.
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Stock Down:
Chris Bell's weekly volume.Bell did not play poorly; he caught three passes for 25 yards. Douglas' return pushed Bell to 31 offensive snaps, his second-lowest share of the season. Bell remains useful, but the rotation now has another proven option competing for outside work.
Kevin Coleman Jr.'s offensive opportunity.Coleman played 10 snaps and did not catch his only target. Newcomer Jared Wayne also received 10 snaps, while Washington and Douglas handled the larger receiver roles. Coleman may need special-teams value or a defined package to regain volume.
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Interior run defense.This is a unit concern rather than an individual demotion. Allen rushed for 104 yards on 17 carries, and the Jets averaged 5.1 yards per rush. Miami's offense limited New York's total attempts by controlling possession, but the efficiency remains a warning.
Secondary consistency.Taaffe's interception was excellent, yet Cooper and Davis produced gains of 60 and 41 yards, and Taylor scored twice. Miami contained Wilson but allowed New York to redirect its passing game. The secondary's stock will remain volatile until it prevents explosives without relying on a single takeaway.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
