Dolphins’ Waddle sets rookie mark for receptions

MIAMI — Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle set an NFL rookie record for receptions in a single season Sunday against the New England Patriots, reeling in his 102nd catch of the season on the fourth play of the game.

Anquan Boldin previously held the record when he caught 101 passes for 1,377 yards and 8 touchdowns with the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.

Miami drafted Waddle sixth overall in 2021, pairing him with his former college teammate, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He was voted the Dan Marino Team MVP by local media this week and his teammates said they noticed his talent as soon as he stepped on the field for his first practice.

“You can see the MVP-worthy talent immediately,” tight end Durham Smythe said. “I think as the season progressed, he became more confident. He’s a guy who is never comfortable with a five-catch, 100-yard game. He wants more always. I think that has kind of shown throughout the year. He’s still asking ‘how can I improve’ on a week-to-week basis and that’s kind of what he’s done.

“Obviously the stats show that and him receiving that award shows how important he’s been to this team.”

Waddle entered Sunday’s game tied for seventh in the NFL in receptions with 99 and 24th in receiving yards with 988. He capped off Miami’s opening drive with 4 catches for 25 yards and a touchdown — his sixth touchdown catch of the season.