5 Instant Takeaways: Dolphins. Tua, Tyreek, top Giants | Schad

MIAMI GARDENS — The Dolphins thoroughly outplayed the Giants on Sunday, in a 31-16 win at Hard Rock Stadium.

The score would have been even more lopsided if not for two interceptions by Tua Tagovailoa.

The first interception, by Giants safety Jason Pinnock, was returned 102 yards for a touchdown. Jaylen Waddle was the intended target, but the ball was tipped by linebacker Bobby Okereke.

Miami was driving for a 21-3 lead but it was suddenly a lead of only 14-10.

Then, in the third quarter, Tua was again targeting Waddle, but was intercepted by Okereke.

Still, Miami is 4-1 for the first time in 20 years. And a 5-1 start is very reasonable, with winless Carolina at home on deck.

The Dolphins are in sole possession of first place in the AFC East after Buffalo lost to Jacksonville in London.

On Sunday, Miami posted more than 500 yards of offense. De'Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, Tyreek Hill and Waddle all predictably starred.

The Dolphins defense predictably bounced back against a Giants offense without three offensive line starters and running back Saquon Barkley.

Here are our Takeaways:

2,000 yards for Tyreek Hill?

Let's start by saying that it's an absolute joke that Hill was flagged for "taunting" when he jumped on a wall after a touchdown and tried to give a football to his mother.

I mean, taunting, really?

There better not be a fine, NFL.

At this point, it's hardly a story when Hill scores on a 69-yard touchdown, as he did in the third quarter.

At this point, it's hardly a story when Hill posts 175+ yards, as he did on Sunday.

It will almost be a surprise if Hill were not to reach 2,000 yards this season.

Hill posted 470 yards over the first four games of the season (117.5 yards per game). And Hill recorded at least 181 yards in game five. This is an average of 130.2 yards per game, or a projection of 2,213 yards this season.

It's entirely possible that multiple receivers break the 2,000-yard mark for the first time this season.

Justin Jefferson (Vikings) and Puka Nacua (Rams) also have been on pace for the record.

Achane bounces back from early fumble

Achane is one of the most exciting young players in the NFL.

Achane (pronounced A-chan) fumbled in the second quarter, but quickly bounced back. He broke through a wide hole and churned 76 yards for a touchdown, fifth-longest in team history.

Remarkably, in only Week 5, it was his seventh touchdown of the season. Achane has more touchdowns in his first 4 career games than any player in the Super Bowl era.

Achane was measured at 21.76 miles per hour, second-fastest speed in the NFL by a ball carrier this season - second only to Achane in Week 3 vs. Denver.

Achane's speed really is reminiscent of Chris Johnson, aka CK2.

Achane was supported on the sideline after his miscue by Raheem Mostert, who also fumbled in this game. Miami posted more than 200 team rushing yards on Sunday.

As long as fumbling does not become a recurrent issue, not trading for Jonathan Taylor or signing Dalvin Cook were smart decisions by general manager Chris Grier.

Xavien Howard, Eli Apple and CBs

Xavien Howard prevented a touchdown pass from Daniel Jones to tight end Darren Waller in the second quarter, knocking down the ball with his left hand.

Howard was untested by the Bills and is looking to shake off a shaky 2022 and a shaky start to 2023.

Meanwhile, Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio opted to continue to play veterans Eli Apple and Justin Bethel ahead of rookie Cam Smith at cornerback.

Smith did dress ahead of Kelvin Joseph, and participated on special teams.

Apple made a few nice tackles in coverage in the first half after he had been sidelined by Fangio in the previous two games.

It's clear Fangio doesn't trust Smith yet. By bringing Apple back into the mix, Kader Kohou was able to slide into the slot, where is an absolute dynamo in nickel situations.

Defensive pressure on Daniel Jones

The Giants were without three starting offensive linemen, and then lost their center in the first half.

While Tua Tagovailoa was hit 1 time in the first half, Jones was hit 8.

This was entirely expected.

Emmanuel Ogbah had 1.5 first half sacks, Zach Sieler had 1 and Apple, Christian Wilkins and Jerome Baker each had a half sack.

On Sunday, the Dolphins had at least 14 quarterback hits, which is an insane number. They eventually knocked Jones out with a neck injury.

Bradley Chubb, Apple, Kohou, Sieler, Baker, Wilkins, Ogbah, Andrew Van Ginkel and Da'Shawn Hand all had at least one quarterback hit.

From Miami's perspective, having center Connor Williams back was essential. Tua was not under assault.

From Miami's perspective, it must have been disappointing for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (oblique) to be scratched again and thus unable to get involved in the sack party.

This & That

The Dolphins caught a break in the first half. Miami was penalized for having 12 players on the field during a punt return. But it turns out the Dolphins player running off the field - perhaps a linebacker - was the 11th man. He should not have been running off. This is still not a great look for special teams coach Danny Crossman. ... The Dolphins defense was later cited for having 12 players on the field on a fourth down. ... Miami's defense benefitted from the return of safety DeShon Elliott ... Van Ginkel and Sieler delivered consistent pressure.

Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 5 Instant Takeaways: Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Dolphins top Giants