Dolphins Tight End Jonnu Smith looks to build off last few weeks, discusses historic stat line

Miami Dolphins' tight end Jonnu Smith is heating up at the right time. A game removed from a career performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, his six receptions for 101 yards and pair of touchdowns made history in South Florida. 

He became the first Dolphins' tight end since the NFL-AFL merger to go over the century mark in yardage while getting two scores in the same game. When brought to his attention by reporters Thursday Smith responded, “Now that was a cool stat. That was a dope stat." Smith followed up to ask what year that was, and was told 1970. 

Smith then said with levity, "I wasn’t even thought of at that time, man, you know what I mean? I wasn’t even thought of; my mom didn’t even know my dad at that time so it’s a cool stat." Smith immediately returned to his humble nature saying, "But again, just trying to focus on the main thing – keep the main thing, the main thing.”

That 'main thing' translates into what he and teammates can do individually to help the Dolphins get to a third straight win and remain in the playoff hunt. He told media, "We know each individual has to look themselves in the mirror and say, ‘I’ve got to be the reason why I help this team win.’ And that doesn’t mean you have to be Superman, just do your job and don’t be the reason why it goes the other way."

Smith has been targeted 39 times for 30 receptions and 370 yards along with three scores across Miami's last six games. Along with an outstanding catch percentage of 76.9% in this span, and 75% on the season.

Through Miami's 10 games so far, Smith is tied for the team lead in touchdowns with his trio of scores, and has 39 catches for 448 yards. His reception output is already his third highest seasonal total of his career. His yearly high was last season with the Atlanta Falcons at 50 catches, and second was in 2020 with 41 while a member of the Tennessee Titans. 

Smith, who joined a Dolphins' team who didn't see a single tight end hit the endzone at all last season, has become a member of Miami's Mount Rushmore of targets for Tua Tagovailoa. Smith is the second most targeted player this season behind Tyreek Hill with running back De'Von Achane third and Jaylen Waddle fourth. 

It's the same four in the main categories in the receiving game with Smith second in yardage and third in receptions. He is even tied with Hill for first downs with 27 on the year. Breaking down Smith's efficiency even further, he leads all Miami targets (those with a season minimum of 10) in success rate at 66.7%.

Smith has been utilized creatively by head coach Mike McDaniel, and Smith detailed how this is no new territory for him. "I would say I’ve been in a lot of offenses where I have been put in a lot of positions: running back, receiver, fullback, slot – I’ve been everywhere. I’ve lined up everywhere in my career. Going on eight years now, obviously this is my skillset."

Clearly this is a skillset Miami has needed at the tight end position, and with Smith playing well now and Tagovailoa healthy and humming in the passing game, there is a lot more work and stats for Smith to pile up the rest of the season. And most importantly, wins.

Smith and Miami are preparing for an AFC East rivalry game on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium against the 3-8 New England Patriots. The Dolphins aim for a third consecutive victory before a short week ahead, and a Thanksgiving Night matchup in Green Bay against the Packers Week 13.