NFL

Miami Dolphins Snap Conclusions: Who played how much in upset of 49ers?

Joe Schad
Palm Beach Post
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, left, fumbles the ball as he is hit by Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. The 49ers recovered the ball.

The Dolphins upset the 49ers on Sunday. It was the 21st consecutive time coach Brian Flores had been an underdog as Miami coach.

Next Sunday, Miami is favored, by more than a touchdown, at home against the Jets.

The Dolphins were fortunate to get cornerback Byron Jones back for this game and he made a big impact. Miami was also able to cover for the absence of both starting left tackle Austin Jackson and defensive end Shaq Lawson.

Here are some snap conclusions:

Edge Andrew Van Ginkel (46 snaps, 72 percent)  Van Ginkel came through with a jarring sack and forced fumble of San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo that helped set a tone for the day. Van Ginkel was also second on the Dolphins with six tackles. There's no reason Van Ginkel can't do some of the things injured Vince Biegel did last season. He has added strength and is an intriguing pass-rush option.

Defensive lineman Zach Sieler (44 snaps, 69 percent) — Sieler is a beast from unknown places. Like Van Ginkel, Sieler came up with a game-impacting sack. Sieler led all defensive linemen with 44 snaps. Consider Christian Wilkins had 37, Davon Godchaux 26 and Raekwon Davis 11. The Dolphins coaching staff loves what Sieler brings. And so do we at Tape Don't Lie and Snap Conclusions.

More:Schad: Brian Flores' Miami Dolphins prepared for anything and did not flinch

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive end Zach Sieler (92) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020.

Cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (10 snaps, 16 percent) — Igbinoghene was able to watch Byron Jones and Xavien Howard do their thing and take a very deep breath. Igbinoghene has the potential to be a very good player but he's not fully formed. And the Dolphins coaching staff view his future as an outside cornerback, which is why, at least for now, he's not taking slot snaps from Nik Needham.

Receiver Lynn Bowden (10 snaps, 15 percent) — It was nice to see offensive coordinator Chan Gailey take my suggestion to give Bowden more Wildcat snaps. I kid. We are all-but-certain Gailey is not familiar with our suggestions. Bowden had three rushes, which could set him up nicely to pass from the package against the Jets with the team up, say, 38-7 in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Why not?

More:Miami Dolphins' Preston Williams looks like old self against 49ers

Running back Matt Breida (21 snaps, 31 percent) — Breida's snaps are increasing but he's still behind Myles Gaskin (42 snaps, 63 percent) who continues to do a solid job as starter. Breida was targeted through the air only once on Sunday. But Ryan Fitzpatrick spread it out to nine players. We give Breida credit for a team-first approach to the situation. And feel a 70-yard touchdown is coming soon. Probably against the Jets. With the team leading, say, 45-7 in the fourth quarter on Sunday. Why not?