Having an elite pass rush is something every NFL team marks at the top of their list every year. The game is an increasingly offensive one and shutting down a team’s passing attack goes hand in hand with winning. The Dolphins’ defense was feisty in 2023 and rushed the passer, plenty, they set a team record with 56 sacks. Amid that record-breaking season, they lost a budding star to a brutal injury as he was enjoying a breakout season himself, meaning 2024 could be the true breakout year fans have been waiting for.
Dolphins’ Edge Rusher Primed for True Breakout Season
Injury Derailed Likely Pro-Bowl Season
Miami Dolphins starting linebacker Jaelan Phillips was a first-round pick by the Dolphins in 2021 and has been making his impact felt ever since. The University of Miami product clocked a ridiculous 40 time of 4.58 seconds, at 260 lbs, during his pro day and that coupled with a great junior season with the Hurricanes was more than enough for Miami to take the pass rusher 18th overall. In his rookie season, he finished second on the team with 8.5 sacks, a Dolphins rookie record, and half a sack behind teammate Emmanuel Ogbah for first place. In year two, he saw his sack numbers dip a bit (7) for the season, but finished with 19 more tackles and also recorded his first forced fumble and fumble recoveries of his career.
Year three is where things started to click for the talented defender. Phillips started the season with an 11-tackle performance in a victory against the Chargers where he also had a hand in the game-sealing sack. Through eight games in 2023, he tallied 6.5 sacks, on pace for a career-high 14, and recorded the first interception of his career as well. The breakout year ended suddenly though when Phillips suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in a Black Friday victory against the New York Jets.
Future Plans
Back in April, and as Phillips was in the heart of rehabbing, the Dolphins exercised the 5th year options for both him and his 2021 first-round draft mate, Jaylen Waddle. With 22 sacks, 142 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 52 QB hits through three seasons, and at just 25 years old it was an easy decision. Phillips has paced right along with some of the best at his position per Pro Football Focus, highlighting his upward trajectory. While sacks get all the attention, Phillips also regularly drops into coverage and the former Hurricane was a force in the run game, posting the best grade of his career (77.4) before getting hurt. He slotted in at number 10 on the list of the top edge defenders.
With all eyes on the 2024 season, the former first-round pick has attacked rehab relentlessly and already looks to be close to game shape.
Watching Jaelan Phillips run laterally for the first time. He might be a month away from resuming football activity. Just a guess. I’m not a doctor. Only play one for a newspaper.
Phillips isn’t far off. He’s running full speed. Faster than I’ve ever seen a D-lineman run.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 2, 2024
Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver recently called Phillips “an absolute freak” in regards to the defender’s commitment to getting back on the field and how quickly he’s progressed. Miami kicks off its season on September 8, against Jacksonville in Miami and whether Phillips is on the field for game one, or the Dolphins elect to hold him out a few weeks longer, he has all the tools to turn his comeback season into his best yet.
Jaelan Phillips looking healthier every day👀
H/t: @WPBF_Yianni pic.twitter.com/ORDpf2q0gJ
— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) July 24, 2024
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
