D.K. Metcalf feasts on Dolphins when not defended by Ramsey

Jalen Ramsey and D.K. Metcalf have a lengthy history of some physical exchanges that could make the Seattle Seahawks receiver recognized as the Miami Dolphins cornerback’s biggest rival in the NFL.

That should explain why Ramsey spent a good portion of Sunday’s game shadowing Metcalf, and the Seahawks went out of their way with motions and shifts to free up Metcalf, encouraging another Dolphins defender to draw the assignment.

That happened twice in the first half, and the Dolphins paid dearly for it because those receptions were primarily responsible for two of the Seahawks’ first quarter scores.

On the first play, which came one snap before a Zach Charbonnet 4-yard touchdown run, Metcalf caught a beautiful sideline pass over Kendall Fuller, who was actually in good position to make the play on the 22-yard reception. But Geno Smith put the ball only where Metcalf could get it, setting up the goal-to-go situation for Charbonnet.

On the second play the Seahawks caught the Dolphins in zone coverage and Metcalf, who is known as one of the fastest receivers in the NFL, caught safety Jevon Holland flat footed in a two-deep safety situation and ran right past him to score a 71-yard touchdown.

It was the biggest touchdown play the Dolphins had allowed this season, and reminded Miami why Ramsey should be on Metcalf all game, if possible. But it appears that was a cat and mouse situation, one that favored Seattle because of defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s calls.

It didn’t help that Fuller was being evaluated for concussion in the second quarter, which led to more plays for Kader Kohou, who pulled down an interception in the first quarter, setting up Miami’s first score, and Storm Duck, an undrafted rookie.

Dolphins deliver surprise at backup QB

Life without Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t just mean one backup quarterback has an elevated role.

With Skylar Thompson starting in Tagovailoa’s place while he recovers from the concussion he suffered last week, Tim Boyle has been made active for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, his first game since joining the team three weeks ago.

Boyle, who initially joined the Dolphins as a practice squad player, but was signed to the 53-man roster on Saturday when receiver Grant Dubose was placed on the injury reserve, has played in 20 NFL games with five starts.

Tyler Huntley, who joined the team this week after being claimed off the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, served as Miami’s emergency quarterback. That means he could only come into the game if Thompson and Boyle suffer an injury that would have prevented each from playing.

Also inactive for Sunday’s game against Seahawks was starting tailback Raheem Mostert, who is nursing a chest injury and has been inactive for the past two games.

De’Von Achane handle the lead tailback role, but Jaylen Wright started his first NFL game against the Seahawks.

Also starting his first NFL game was tight end Tanner Conner, who over the years had developed good chemistry with Thompson. The two were a dynamic duo in their rookie season during training camp and the exhibition season, and the Dolphins have consistently praised Conner for how well he’d been playing since the offseason program.

The Dolphins also elevated Erik Ezukanma and Dee Eskridge, who happened to be a former Seahawks second-round pick, up from the practice squad.

Miami happens to be thin at receiver because of a quadriceps injury Malik Washington is nursing, and the fact Robbie Chosen was waived from the practice squad earlier this week.

Also inactive is cornerback Ethan Bonner, linebacker Channing Tindall, pass rusher Mohamed Kamara, and center Andrew Meyer.

Tagovailoa on sidelines

Tagovailoa traveled with the team to Seattle despite being in the NFL’s concussion protocol, and was supposed on the sidelines in possession of a communication system typically used by the coaches to call plays into the quarterback. Tagovailoa is allowed to be on the sidelines while he’s on injured reserve, which will be his status until Week 8, which is when he can return.

Terron Armstead replaced

Terron Armstead, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury he suffered in last weeks’ Buffalo Bills loss, was replaced by Kendall Lamm in the second quarter.

Armstead worked this week with the intentions of trying to play through the pain, but it seemingly because something he couldn’t handle, leading to Lamm’s elevation.

The Dolphins likely went with Lamm, a 10-year veteran, over rookie Patrick Paul, the team’s 20224 second-round pick, because Mike McDaniel said he’d prefer to put rookies in their first game action in situations he’s certain they would succeed in. Because of the hostile and load stadium the Seahawks play in the Dolphins offensive line likely has to use a silent count, which could give the rookie some issues.