When one function of the machine is damaged, another must perform at peak perfection. In the Miami Dolphins case, the defense toward the rest of the season must be close to perfect to protect an offense that will miss first-string quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The premiere game manager for the Dolphins is placed on injured reserve and could return around week 8 if he is to recover from his concussion.
The two prior games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills have shown a few weaknesses in Miami’s defense. Some of these defensive frailties included age, miscommunication and injuries. However, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver looks to correct these faults with a new importance to step up toward a fight against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. He started with acknowledgment.
Miami’s Defense Could Be the Saving Grace for Dolphins’ Time Without Tua
Weaver Understands the Memo
Miami’s defense throughout the past two games has only allowed 514 total yards. These stats have been deceiving. Despite allowing 139 passing yards per game, opponents have found success with gaps in the Dolphins’ secondary with large chunk plays off of open receivers. Both quarterbacks that Miami has faced averaged seven yards per completion.
Miscommunication between Weaver and his defense can be credited for early miscues. In one example, Bills running back James Cook ran for 49 yards untouched to the end zone in Miami’s 31-10 loss to Buffalo Sept. 12 because of poor execution that resulted from poor communication, Weaver said. The coordinator didn’t point any fingers at anyone for the miscue but acknowledged that the more that the defense talks, the more likely it’ll be fixed for next week.
Weaver believes the defense needs to be at a high standard every week, regardless of the quarterback situation. The first-year defensive coordinator said he doesn’t want to add any more pressure to his unit. It’s already at an all-time high to his standards.
“I always think we have to step up on our side, regardless of what’s going on on offense,” Weaver said. “In this game, I love [Miami’s] offense. I love what we do, I love how aggressive we are, I love the way we attack down the field — I love the pieces that we have. But, we’re trying to be the best defense in the National Football League. Plain and simple…. We have to handle our business.”
Dolphins’ Defensive Veteran Leadership to Help Tackle Injuries
Dolphins linebackers Jordyn Brooks and David Long Jr. have played every snap on defense, when healthy, so far this season. Even though both linebackers are younger than 30, they have tolerated serious injuries throughout their careers. Brooks tore his ACL in 2022 and Long dealt with an undisclosed injury in the preseason.
With injuries mantling up day-by-day, veteran leadership is important, Brooks said. The former Seahawk emphasized that it’s important to move on and attack each day like a professional and set an example. No matter the injuries, the goal is still the same for the defense, he said.
“I think we always have to play better — whether the quarterback is playing or not,” Brooks said. “That’s everybody’s individual goal, to be the best that you can be so that we can be better together. It’s unfortunate what happened with our quarterback, but had that not happened, the goal would still be the same — as far as us getting better and getting to the place we know we can be.”
Veteran leadership that teams can build on to reach a great purpose is important to Miami defensive end Zach Sieler, he said. This mindset is what will benefit the Dolphins through these tough times. The seven-year veteran sees the conflict as an opportunity for his team to grow early in the year.
“[Mike] McDaniel preaches it’s a players team, it’s a players locker room,” Sieler said. “When you have the veteran leadership there that some guys have been through situations like this and some have been through worse you lean on that leadership, and that experience to either guide young guys, or steer the team in the right direction where you can make the corrections and not take it on the chin and not be soft.”
Potential Anchor and Rise From the Pass Rush
Miami’s pass rush has been one of the many things boasted about on defense. The Miami Dolphins defense have sacked enemy quarterbacks three times and recorded 10 tackles for loss so far this season. Even without Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb, the group still can be seen as an anchor for Miami to rely on.
The biggest threat to the Dolphins’ aggressive pass rush has been its health. Still, in the trend of injury risk and age, players such as defensive tackle Calais Campbell and linebacker Jaelan Phillips have been limited. Miami’s recent injury report for week 3, revealed that Campbell didn’t participate in three straight practices this week due to rest. Phillips was limited on Wednesday but participated in Thursday and Friday practices.
A more youthful solution could be possible with the Miami Dolphins proven pass rushers on defense limited due to health concerns. Miami rookie linebacker Chop Robinson from Penn State throughout Miami’s first two games played for only 40 defensive snaps. The 21-year-old pass rusher racked up two tackles within this period. Weaver said that Robinson could earn more snaps later this season based on scheme and growth. In overall, it appears that may come sooner than later based on the rookie’s work ethic and coachability, Weaver said.
“He’s had some good rushes, and sometimes you haven’t had the coverage to match what he’s doing,” Weaver said. “To me, for [Chop] in particular, the numbers will come as he earns more reps and as he continues to earn trust from his teammates. We can find more reasons to put him out there. Again, I believe those numbers will come… it’s inevitable.”
The Road Ahead for Weaver Continues in the Northwest Against a Friend
The Dolphins will continue its season without Tagovailoa with a cross-conference contest against Seattle. This will also mark the first time Weaver will face former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald. Both coaches worked in Baltimore for two years. Weaver at the time coached the Ravens’ defensive line and run game, and held a position as an assistant coach.
Weaver said that MacDonald shares a defensive scheme similar to his own, but believes the play-calling will be different. With both coaches’ approach to the game defensively mirroring one another, it will be a challenge for Weaver to orchestrate Miami’s defense against the Seahawks.
A strength that the Dolphins defensive coordinator touched on heading into Sunday was how the receiving core compliments Seattle quarterback Geno Smith. With a potential air raid threat, the Dolphins’ secondary will need to be prepared. Miami’s hopes for a win Sunday will depend on it.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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