The Dolphins have managed to play back in the post-season picture and in doing so have created a small piece of NFL history.
Monday’s win in New Orleans, Louisiana, ensured that the Dolphins became the first team in NFL history to have a seven-game losing streak and a seven-game winning run in the same season. The last time the Dolphins won seven games in a row was in 1985.
Without 22 players due to COVID-19 protocols, the Saints handed quarterback Ian Book his NFL debut, but the 23-year-old had a rough evening as the Dolphins defense accumulated eight sacks against him.
Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogba (91) sacked New Orleans Saints quarterback Ian Book (16).
While Buc struggled — he completed 12 of 20 passes and threw two interceptions — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle’s rookie season goes from strength to strength.
With 10 receptions in Monday’s game, Waddles is now on 96 catches this season and just five shy of the all-time rookie record of 101—set by Anquan Boldin with the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.
When asked about Boldin’s record, Waddle told the NFL website, “As far as significance goes, I wouldn’t say it’s something I’ve focused my mind on.” “As long as it comes with some victories, I’m up for it. It’s obviously going to be great, because the NFL is a special league, so anything is always bigger in this league to keep records.”
Waddell has weighed in this season with five touchdowns, including Monday’s game.
An Alabama product, Waddell was selected sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Dolphins and has built a great sports relationship with former college teammate Tua Tagovailoa.
“I’m not a genie, so I’m not going to say that I saw that in Jaylen’s future,” said Tagovailo of Waddell’s early life in the NFL.
“I knew he had a lot of potential, of course, being able to play with him in Alabama … and leading into training camp, he did a really good job.
“You can see his development within his understanding of coverage, his understanding of man coverage and then opening up fast against Blitz-Man, and so forth. I think he’s done a great job for us.”
With Waddell’s touchdown, Miami’s points came from a 28-yard pick-six from Nick Needham and two field goals from Jason Sanders.
According to the league, 96 players of the National Football League tested positive for Kovid-19 on Monday.
A total of 106 players have been placed on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list since Christmas, with an additional 10 positive tests among players over the weekend.