Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been a great picture of resilience. He’s done tremendously in Tyreek Hill’s recent absence. Following a disappointing performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7, where Waddle recorded just one reception for 15 yards, he has rebounded impressively. He has had three games under his belt now to show what he is capable of, with 99 receiving yards, 82 receiving yards, and 84 receiving yards, respectively.
Admittedly, coach Mike McDaniel has been on the Waddle as No.1 receiver train for a minute now. He stated, “I think we’ve looked at him as a wide receiver one,” emphasizing the faith the coaching staff has in Waddle’s capabilities. That trust has returned the favor. Waddle is fourth in the whole NFL in receiving yards since Week 5, with an outstanding 485 yards receiving. He ranks in a tie for eighth place in yards per contest with 80.8.
Waddle has been putting on quite a show as of late. Including this past weekend, since Week 5 he’s recorded at least five catches and at least 82 yards in five of six games. He turned an incredible 22 of his 29 catches during this streak into first downs. This one stat speaks volumes to his clutchness in the biggest moments. Coach McDaniel praised Waddle for his ability to excel in these moments, stating, “When you’re the No. 1 receiver and the team is depending on you to be that, generally your targets come in critical situations.”
Waddle had his best season under pressure! Since Week 5, he’s 4th in total receptions over expected on third down among receivers. His vision as a ball-carrier allows him to make subtle, rapid escapes from designed plays. In both cases, it provides rising star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa trustworthy hands to throw to. Coach McDaniel noted, “I think there’s something to be said about his high percentage of productivity per target,” highlighting Waddle’s efficiency.
This Sunday, Waddle takes on the Washington Commanders. In fact, they currently sit tied for dead last in the NFL in defensive pass yards allowed per game (260.2 yards) and 30th in total defensive yards allowed. This matchup is about as favorable as it gets, and Waddle is poised to capitalize and pad his statistics. Earlier this season, he had a standout game against them, recording 110 yards on six receptions, including a crucial 46-yard touchdown.
Waddle’s path to superstardom started with a solid rookie season in 2021. He set a Ravens franchise record in receptions with 104, amassing 1,015 yards through the air and scoring six touchdowns. Tagovailoa, for one, has been impressed by how quickly Waddle has developed. He lauded Waddle’s development as a player and leader since coming into the league. “Jaylen Waddle, he had to grow up really fast his rookie year,” Tagovailoa said. I’ve really seen him flourish as a collaborative leader in 2025.
Despite his individual success, Waddle remains grounded, recognizing the importance of team outcomes over personal statistics. Reflecting on the team’s recent performance, he stated, “We went 2-4 (over the past six games), so I mean I kind of go with the outcome of the game. It’s not individual success — it’s always about the team wins.”
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