For the second consecutive week, the Miami Dolphins have a Player of the Week recipient. This time, it’s linebacker Tyrel Dodson. #FinsUp
Last week, Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his impressive five-field goal performance in Miami’s 29-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Now, for the first time since Weeks 15 and 16 of the 2023 NFL season — when Bradley Chubb and $anders did it — the Dolphins have back-to-back player of the week winners. This time, it was linebacker Tyrel Dodson that earned the honors.
T. Dot ⁰⁰@tdots25 is the AFC Defensive Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/UjrouXiD40
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 31, 2024
Dodson was all over the field on Sunday, combining for 15 tackles (8 solo) and a pass breakup. He also had a game-changing interception when he drifted back into coverage and picked off a Dorian Thompson-Robinson pass intended for Jerry Jeudy. It was his second career interception. The other? An interception back in Week 12 vs. the New England Patriots. He is the only linebacker in the NFL to have two interceptions since Week 12.
According to the Miami Dolphins’ official press release, “Dodson became the seventh player in Dolphins history to record 15 tackles in a game since tackles became officially tracked in 1994. He is also the first Dolphin since at least 1994 to record 15 tackles and an interception in a single game and one of two players to do so this season, joining Atlanta’s Troy Andersen.“
Dodson was claimed off waivers back on November 12th from the Seattle Seahawks. Since his arrival, the 26-year-old linebacker has appeared in seven games with Miami, recording 32 tackles, two pass breakups, and two interceptions. He looks to build off his strong performance in week 18 vs. the New York Jets — with the hopes of being re-signed by the team this offseason. (My words, not his)
What are your thoughts on Tyrel Dodson’s play over the last seven weeks? Do you think he deserved to be AFC Defensive Player of the Week? Should the Miami Dolphins look to re-sign Dodson this offseason? Let us know in the comments section below!