Dolphins stock watch following Packers loss

Another week is in the books for the Miami Dolphins, this time capped with a last second loss to the Green Bay Packers. The game featured another slow start from the offense, which came alive in the second half; meanwhile, the defense stepped up early, but was visibly wearing down as the heat of the day, and a huge advantage in time of possession for Green Bay, took their toll.

As the Dolphins fell to 2-3 on the season, there was a lot of understandable disappointment among fans. That, however, does not mean there were not good performances in the game. We take a look at the stock ratings for the Dolphins, both the rising and falling values, this afternoon.

Stock Up: Olivier Vernon, defensive end - Vernon showed us exactly why he is the starting defensive end of this team, and why Dion Jordan was never able to surpass him last year. Not only was Vernon able to record 1.5 sacks and 2 hits on Sunday, he continually set the edge in the run game, either making the tackle himself or forcing Eddie Lacy and James Starks back inside. Vernon was amazing throughout the entire game.

Stock Down: Joe Philbin, head coach - The Dolphins once again lost a game featuring questionable decisions from the coaches.  Today, Philbin admitted that he called the run in the 4-minute offense on third down, getting "queasy" after the incomplete pass on second down and not wanting to lose a game like the team did last year against the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. In that game, leading 21-20 with 3:39 to go, the Dolphins got the ball back, only to have quarterback Ryan Tannehill sacked on second down, a sack that included a strip and a Bills recovery of the fumble. Philbin admitted he got scared, and now he has to fix it. There are way too many questions that surround Philbin each week. He needs to manage a game better, and he has to start doing that now.

Stock Up: Cameron Wake, defensive end - Wake came to play this weekend, and it showed on the field. He was all over Aaron Rodgers throughout the contest, and he dominated in pass rushing. He also showed his ability to chase running backs and tight ends, having a solid all-around game. A lot is expected of the All Pro defensive end each week, and against the Packers, he delivered.

Stock Down: Philip Wheeler, linebacker - One of the most maligned players on the roster among Dolphins fans, Wheeler has actually had a decent year this season as the weak side linebacker. On Sunday, Wheeler did not play as many snaps as he has been taking each week, but he did struggle on the field. Of course, the biggest moment of the game, his coverage of Andrew Quarless on the game winning touchdown pass from Rodgers, is what everyone will remember. Wheeler should not have been in that situation, and defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle admitted, if Koa Misi had been available, Misi would have had that assignment instead of Wheeler, but that does not change the fact that Wheeler should have done something, anything, to prevent that pass from being completed.

Stock Up: Jarvis Landry, wide receiver - The rookie wide receiver had a career day, leading the team with six receptions for 75 yards, as well as his first career touchdown reception. He had a great day on offense, taking advantage of Brandon Gibson's injury. He also recorded a 45.5 yard average in kick returns, including a 54-yard return. Landry is quickly becoming a weapon for Miami's offense, and one that will need to get more involved in the offense as the season continues.

Stock Down: Cortland Finnegan, cornerback - Finnegan was asked to cover Davante Adams for most of the game, and he could not slow down the rookie. The lowlight of Finnegan's performance was the fake spike play from Rodgers, who hit Adams for a 12 yard gain. Finnegan should have been ready to cover Adams, but bit on the spike. Finnegan should have been able to tackle Adams, but failed to pull him down. Finnegan should have been able to at least force Adams back into the field, rather than giving him the sideline that would allow him to stop the clock, but he could not. Finnegan had a bad game.