Dolphins PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Saints

The Dolphins captured a third consecutive victory by pulling out a narrow 21-17 win over the New Orleans Saints. Miami now sits at 5-7, three games back from the AFC playoff picture with five games left on the schedule.

It was an impressive day for a Miami defense that forced two turnovers of Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. First, Minkah Fitzpatrick got to Shough for a strip sack on a safety blitz which was recovered by Zach Sieler. Two possessions later, cornerback Rasul Douglas recorded his first interception of the season. The two takeaways were key plays in Miami pitching a first half shutout.

A third big moment for the defense didn't count as an interception in the stat sheet, but earned the Dolphins two points as Fitzpatrick picked off a two-point conversion pass and returned it 100 yards the other way.

It was a lackluster day for the Dolphins offense, though. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw interception No. 14 of the season, tying him with the Raiders' Geno Smith for the league lead.

Here is a look at how PFF graded the Dolphins on another hard-earned victory:

5 best grades on offense

• WR Cedrick Wilson Jr: 84.0

• RG Cole Strange: 78.3

• TE Greg Dulcich: 75.3

• RB De'Von Achane: 75.2

• WR Jaylen Waddle: 72.9

5 worst grades on offense

• TE Julian Hill: 44.9

• RB Ollie Gordon II: 48.4

• OL Daniel Brunskill: 51.3

• WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: 53.9

• LT Patrick Paul: 60.6

5 best grades on defense

• S Minkah Fitzpatrick: 93.7

• LB Jordyn Brooks: 77.5

• DL Zach Sieler: 73.3

• LB Tyrel Dodson: 68.3

• S Ifeatu Melifonwu: 67.1

5 worst grades on defense

• DL Zeek Biggers: 44.6

• DL Benito Jones: 51.0

• OLB Matthew Judon: 53.2

• OLB Bradley Chubb: 57.5

• S Ashtyn Davis: 58.7

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Saints