The Miami Dolphins fell to 6-5 after suffering a 39-36 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Here's a look at whose stock is rising and falling in Miami:
Falling
1. The defense: This has been the strength of the team all season. But this group picked a poor time to lay an egg. The Broncos rushed for 201 yards and had four passing touchdowns. The 39 points allowed was a season high for the Dolphins, who allowed 22 points in the fourth quarter.
2. Cornerback depth: Jamar Taylor suffered a shoulder injury Sunday that could sideline him for a while. Starting cornerback Cortland Finnegan also missed the past two games with an ankle injury. Miami was forced to play seldom-used defensive backs such as Lowell Rose and rookie Walt Aikens late in the game. Expect a roster move if Finnegan cannot get healthy in time for next week’s game against the New York Jets.
3. Jimmy Wilson, safety: It was a rough day for Wilson, who has been mostly steady all season. Wilson had a team-high three penalties and they helped lead to Broncos scoring drives of 17 points. A headbutt in the first quarter led to a 15-yard personal-foul penalty. Wilson also had a horse-collar tackle in the second quarter that cost 9 yards and an illegal contact in the fourth quarter. Wilson’s penalties extended drives for Denver.
Rising
1. Red-zone offense: The Dolphins entered Sunday’s game ranked No. 30 in red-zone efficiency. Yet, they were terrific in the red zone against Denver. They were a perfect 5 of 5 on red-zone trips, and that was one of the reasons it was a close game. Miami can win a lot of games down the stretch scoring at that kind of clip.
2. Ryan Tannehill, quarterback: Tannehill has played well against some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He matched Peyton Manning throw for throw and didn’t flinch. He threw for 228 yards, three touchdowns and had a 104.9 passer rating. Tannehill now has five games with a triple-digit passer rating this season. He’s turning the corner and becoming more consistent.
3. Jarvis Landry, receiver: He was the most targeted (11) receiver for the Dolphins and the most productive. Landry finished with seven receptions for 50 yards and two touchdowns. He made a couple of very tough catches over the middle, including his 5-yard touchdown reception. Landry is fearless and developing a good rapport with Tannehill.
