Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Defenses (16-20)
Dec 23, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake (91) reacts to causing a fumble against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Miami won 24-10. Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Dolphins 8-8
Last Season’s Rankings: #21 Overall Defense (359.4 total yards per game allowed) #16 Passing Defense (234.5 passing yards per game allowed) #24 Rushing Defense (124.9 rushing yards per game allowed)
The 2013 Miami Dolphins for sure had some bright spots, ranging from CB Brent Grimes to DE Olivier Vernon. The only problem was though, that the entire Miami Dolphin defense didn’t play as a quality unit in 2013. Don’t get me wrong their eighth-best 20.9 points per game was great. But the thing is they were inconsistent in some of their play
On the rushing side of the ball, the Dolphins lacked help up the middle. In 2013 the Phins ranked 24th against the run, allowing 124.9 rushing yards per game along with an 18th-ranked 14 rushing touchdowns. While the Dolphins were able to tackle and sack opponents, when it came to stopping the run behind the line, they were lack-luster (highest tackles for loss stat was six).With that said though, I do believe that the Dolphins front seven is definitely talented. It all starts with DE Cameron Wake (11.5 sacks, 47.25 tackles, two passes defended and five tackles for loss over past four seasons in Miami), DT Randy Starks (49 tackles, four sacks and six tackles for loss), DT Jared Odrick (42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and two passes defended), DE Olivier Vernon (57 tackles, 11.5 sacks and four tackles for loss), OLB Philip Wheeler (118 tackles, five tackles for loss and seven passes defended), ILB Koa Misi (54 tackles, two sacks, six tackles for loss and three passes defended) and ends with OLB Dannell Ellerbe (101 tackles, three tackles for loss, five passes defended and two interceptions). I think that with some of these players such as Misi and Odrick, there is going to be somewhat of a learning curve, however I think that with veterans such as Wake and Wheeler, the Dolphins front seven should be improved in 2013.
As for passing, the Dolphins are strong. With CB Brent Grimes (17 passes defended and four interceptions), SS Reshad Jones (107 tackles, four passes defended and one interception), newly-acquired FS Louis Delmas (64 tackles, eight passes defended and three interceptions) and former ram CB Cortland Finnegan (17 passes defended and five interceptions in 2008 with Tennessee) can definitely surprise some people. Finnegan adds a certain element of annoyance that opposing receivers absolutely despise (especially Andre Johnson). Brent Grimes has shown that he can take on the responsibilities of an everyday corner back and should take the reigns of this here pass defense.All one has to hope is that the signings of Delmas and Finnegan were responsible signings.