Friday, September 9, 2022

Miami Dolphins Week 1 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 1 roundup for the Miami Dolphins in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Who's on the hot seat: CB Noah Igbinoghene

The Dolphins declining Igbinoghene's fifth-year option is almost a given at this point, barring a complete turnaround. But forget his fifth year -- his fourth year with the team is very much in question right now. Even with Byron Jones' presence on the PUP list giving him the best shot at playing time to date, Igbinoghene has struggled in coverage throughout training camp and was the nearest defender on the Buccaneers' passing touchdown in Miami's first preseason game. He's highly mature and says all the right things at the podium, but the 2020 first-round draft pick will be a cut candidate after the 2022 season if he doesn't find a role.

NFL.com -- Rank: 19

Can Tua be The Guy? You can argue no quarterback faces more pressure at the outset of the 2022 season. The Dolphins went all out to put Tua Tagovailoa in position to succeed in his third season, importing a three-time Pro Bowl left tackle in Terron Armstead and pairing 2021 breakout star Jaylen Waddle with the historically productive burner in Tyreek Hill. Add in Mike McDaniel, the team's new offensive-minded head coach, and anything less than instant results will begin the drumbeat for Teddy Bridgewater to get a crack at the controls. Sunday's matchup against the Pats could set the tone for the entire season.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

Tua, Tua, Tua. This season is all about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins raved about him this preseason. Now it counts. We shall see.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

The good news: Ludicrous speed on offense and continuity on defense seem like a fine recipe. Terron Armstead should help give Tua Tagovailoa enough time to get the ball to his playmakers and, at least in theory, McDaniel's Kyle Shanahan-borrowed offense should boost one of the league's worst rushing attacks.

The bad news: It will be really difficult to overcome the on-field impact of Stephen Ross' early-season suspension.

Nugget to remember: Jaelan Phillips' 8.5 sacks as a rookie were overshadowed by Parsons' breakout debut, but the Dolphins have something brewing with the talent and disguise of their pass-rush group. Among players who rushed the quarterback at least 140 times in 2021, both Jerome Baker and Andrew Van Ginkel ranked in the top eight in the rate with which they hit the quarterback while rushing the passer.

The Ringer -- Rank: 17

Miami's offense was remarkably consistent through three preseason games, and the oft-doubted Tua Tagovailoa went an impressive 12-of-15 for 179 yards and a score in the two games he played. The jury is still out on Tua, but if he can't carry preseason momentum into the games that matter, it won't be for a lack of support. GM Chris Grier was aggressive in surrounding new head coach Mike McDaniel and Tagovailoa with stars, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and left tackle Terron Armstead. Preseason expectations should lean optimistic until Tagovailoa gives us a reason not to be.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 21

Tua Tagovailoa had a good preseason finale, offering some positive vibes heading into a huge season for him. His connection with Tyreek Hill will be one of the NFL's most-watched storylines in September.

PFT -- Rank: 18

If Tua can get it done, the Dolphins can get to the round of eight, and maybe even to the AFC Championship.

Previous updates:

More Miami Dolphins pages:

More of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.