For a team that had the fifth-best run defense in the NFL last season, the Miami Dolphins run defense was docile in Week 1’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Docile Run Defense Thus Far for the Dolphins Under Vic Fangio
The Chargers ran all over the new-look Dolphins defense, led by defensive coordinator and guru, Vic Fangio. The Chargers combined for 40 carries, 233 yards, and three touchdowns. Austin Ekeler led LA with 16 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown. Joshua Kelley was also impressive, falling just nine yards shy of eclipsing the century mark, with 91 yards and a touchdown.
Cause For Concern
Whenever something changes, especially in sports, there are bound to be some hiccups. In baseball, the once-dominant hitter who loses his swing and needs to change its mechanics is a prime example. He also indirectly, must change his sense of familiarity and comfort. He does this in an attempt to get himself back to the dominant hitter he once was.
Similarly, the Dolphins have to reinvent their defense. While last week’s performance, specifically against the run, was atrocious, it is part of the process of making the defense better overall. Fans should only begin to panic if the issue persists against a bigger and more punishing running back in Ezekiel Elliott and the rest of the New England Patriots backfield in Week 2.
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Dolphins Fans Must Trust Vic Fangio’s Defense
Dolphins fans were elated to welcome Fangio as defensive coordinator this season. Though the run defense looked bad against the Chargers, it does not mean that Dolphins fans have lost the belief the Dolphins have arguably the best defensive coordinator in the NFL.
It is important to trust the process and adjustments that must take place as a part of the growth and maturation process for both the Dolphins and Fangio. Growth and maturation is a process that is uncomfortable in nature, but necessary for success.
How Much of a Difference One Season Could Make
Dolphins fans should not jump to conclusions… yet. Fangio is among the best defensive coordinators to ever coach in the NFL. A win is still a win. What can be taken away from it, aside from victory, is what needs to be improved upon.
How the Dolphins run defense performs against a subpar Patriots run game, may be an indication that Fangio and the run defense were merely ‘getting some bugs out of the system’. This week’s game against a lethargic New England backfield will look to confirm it was just that.
Takeaway
If the rest of the defense does what it is supposed to do and the Dolphins continue to rack up wins, then does it matter where their run defense ranks? Ask any Miami fans: if the Dolphins were to win their first Super Bowl Championship in roughly 50 years, would it matter where they ranked in run defense?
The answer would be a resounding “Hell no!” For now, the focus for Dolphins fans should be trusting Fangio. After all, it is only Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season.
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Main Photo: JEFF ROMANCE/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
