The 2024 NFL season has been a turbulent one for the Miami Dolphins to say the least. They’ve lost multiple players to injury throughout the season for various stretches, none bigger than losing Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a four-game stretch. The Dolphins are still alive for a wildcard spot sitting at 6-7 as the regular season draws closer to its end. But one of the most important things from this season has been the players that have stood out. The Dolphins have marquee names like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey that draw attention on the field and eyes to the TV, but there are a few more who have quietly been playing some of the best football at their positions this year.
Foundational Pieces Emerge at Crucial Spots in Miami
Zach Sieler
The Dolphins unearthed a gem from the waiver wire during the 2019 regular season. Sieler immediately made an impression in Miami and has been leaving his mark ever since. The Ferris State product has generally flown under the radar, being named as the most underrated player on the Dolphins roster in the past. However, with the departure of former Dolphin Christian Wilkins, he had a chance to carve his path as a dominant force while no longer playing second fiddle to Wilkins and has seized the opportunity. The relentless defender has played all over Miami’s defensive line since he arrived in South Florida, but has thrived at defensive tackle.
Zach Sieler and Chop Robinson are absolutely carrying this Dolphins pass rush at the moment, this was a huge sack. pic.twitter.com/iblz6G7vNj
— Jake (@FinsCentral) December 9, 2024
He’s a leader and tone-setter on Miami’s defense and the unit generally follows his lead. As the Dolphins head into their final four-game stretch, he sits at six sacks from Miami’s interior despite missing two games. That number is just four off his career high of 10, which was a first for a DT in Miami history. He’s taken his game to a different level since signing a contract extension before the 2023 season. His 16 sacks over his last 28 games are more than his first five seasons combined and also ranks second in the NFL for a DT over that span. His impact was recently noticed with his first Defensive Player of the Week award.
We call him Sack Sieler for a reason 👊
Congrats @zachsieler on being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week! #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/PpKSI31zrQ
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 11, 2024
Aaron Brewer
Not to be outdone, a player in the middle of Miami’s offensive line is also enjoying a great season as well. The Dolphins Center has hit the ground running in its first year in aqua and orange. Miami let former center Connor Williams leave in free agency during the off-season and Brewer has stepped in and transformed into one of the top centers in the league. He’s been a force in the run game throughout his career and that’s continued this season, but his pass blocking has been top-notch for much of the year as well.
📊 Aaron Brewer vs. New York Jets:
➖ 52 pass-blocking snaps
➖ 0 sacks allowed
➖ 0 QB hits allowed
➖ 2 hurries allowed
➖ 2 pressures allowed
➖ 0 penalties
➖ 69.6 pass-blocking grade(@PFF) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/0hQv4ATE9d
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 9, 2024
He’s been the most efficient and consistent piece of Miami’s line not named Terron Armstead.
📊 Highest pressure rates allowed per position on the Miami Dolphins:
1. RT (27.3%)
2. LG (27.3%)
3. RG (18.3%)
4. LT (15.2%)
5. C (10.6%)
6. Others (6.1%)
7. TE (1.5%)(@PFF) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/fhQqAC8Iz8
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 9, 2024
And a big reason for Miami’s lofty rankings amongst all offensive lines in the league.
📊 Miami Dolphins' offensive line has been the second best offensive line in the NFL, per @PFF
➖ 15 sacks allowed (2nd)
➖ 14 QB hits allowed (3rd)
➖ 71 hurrries allowed (2nd)
➖ 100 pressures allowed (2nd)
➖ 88.6 pass-blocking efficiency (2nd)#GoFins pic.twitter.com/m8qKd9CIQt— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 9, 2024
A center performing at Brewer’s level is crucial for an offense that operates as quickly as Miami’s does and Brewer has proven to be one of the best in the game this season.
A dominant center and defensive tackle can be the driving forces for their respective lines, and dominant trench play often determines wins and losses in the NFL. As Miami continues to fight for a playoff spot, it’s clear that regardless of how they finish this season, they have two foundational pieces on hand that can pave the way to great line play for seasons to come.
Main Photo: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
