NFL

Miami Dolphins Snap Conclusions: Who played how much and what it means

Joe Schad
Palm Beach Post
Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores reacts in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 31-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins lost in overtime at Las Vegas, 31-28 on Sunday.

Jacoby Brissett led an impressive late comeback, but Miami's offense failed to strike on enough big plays.

Among the Miami players who did some positive things: Malcolm Brown, Mike Gesicki, Zach Sieler, Elandon Roberts and Brandon Jones.

Here's a look inside the snap count totals:

Jaylen Waddle, WR  (73 snaps, 88 percent) — Waddle led Miami receivers in snaps and also led the team with 13 targets and 12 catches. Here is the problem: even though Waddle is a blazer who can create separation, he averaged only 4.8 yards per catch. That's almost impossible to fathom. Jakeem Grant had only two offensive snaps. Will Fuller played 51 snaps in his Dolphins debut.

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Malcolm Brown, RB (34 snaps, 41 percent) — At the moment it seems Brown is clearly ahead of Salvon Ahmed, who played only five offensive snaps. Brown started and Miami tried to establish a physical, aggressive mentality from the start, which was good, in concept. Brown did score a 24-yard touchdown.

Sep 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones (24) is pursued by Las Vegas Raiders safety Trevon Moehrig (25) on a 24-yard touchdown run in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Coleman, CB (25 snaps, 30 percent) — Coleman didn't play as many snaps as Nik Needham, who was on the field for 57. But when he was, it seemed the Raiders were aware and attacked him. This season, Coleman has allowed 6 completions on 7 targets, according to Pro Football Reference.

Zach Sieler, DL (42 snaps, 51 percent) — Among Dolphins defensive linemen, Sieler trailed Emmanuel Ogbah, Christian Wilkins and John Jenkins in snaps. It seems Sieler could be in line for more work, unless the coaches feel he's better with limited action. All we know is Sieler wrecks offensive plans pretty much every week.

Jaelan Phillips, Edge (49 snaps, 59 percent) — Phillips saw an increase in snaps from Week 2, where he had only 18 snaps. Phillips seemed to be used more often in a pure pass rush role on Sunday. Phillips had six tackles but no sacks, tackles for loss or quarterback hits. According to Pro Football Reference, Phillips has one pressure in three games.