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They spent their three first-round picks on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (fifth), offensive tackle Austin Jackson (18th) and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (30th). Tagovailoa's raw numbers won't blow anyone away, but he's started six games and has shown enough flashes to have the Dolphins feeling encouraged. Jackson suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him earlier this season, but he's returned and started nine games. Jackson has gone through rookie growing pains, but it's worth remembering that he was a young prospect and is still just 21 years old. Igbinoghene had his share of struggles early and is now serving a backup/special teams role. Tagovailoa and the Dolphins had their chances Sunday against the Chiefs, and they showed resilience late but couldn't pull off the upset. They're currently hanging on to the final AFC wild-card spot.

They competed against the Chiefs, but the best thing is Tua Tagovailoa shook off a slow start to get it going late. That's growth.

Rookie seasons are all about firsts, and QB Tua Tagovailoa served up his maiden NFL INT Sunday. Now, he must serve his first defeat to New England if Miami is to maintain playoff course.

The Dolphins have been great on defense and special teams, scoring a combined three touchdowns with those units this season. The Dolphins' defense has forced 25 turnovers, tied for best in the league, while allowing the second-fewest points per game (18.8). The Dolphins have gotten a defensive player of the year-caliber season out of cornerback Xavien Howard (league-high nine interceptions) and Pro Bowl-caliber seasons from edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah, returner Jakeem Grant and kicker Jason Sanders. All of that helps lift a struggling offense that has failed to produce a consistent running game. -- Cameron Wolfe

The Dolphins remain a work in progress on offense, but this defense is ready to go. On Sunday, Miami intercepted Patrick Mahomes three times -- becoming only the second team to manage that feat against the great QB -- and harassed Mahomes into a fumble and a 30-yard sack. Mahomes still did his damage, because the Chiefs quarterback is not a player who can be completely shut down, but Miami showed it was up to the challenge in a 33-27 loss. Tua Tagovailoa enjoyed his first 300-yard passing game, keeping Miami competitive in the second half despite losing DeVante Parker (leg) and Mike Gesicki (shoulder) to injuries. At 8-5, the Dolphins can inch closer to a playoff spot with a win over the Patriots on Sunday. The added perk of essentially ending New England's season should provide further motivation.