Heading into the season there were plenty of questions surrounding the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Joe Philbin entered the season potentially on the “hot seat,” Ryan Tannehill‘s ability to be a quality starting quarterback and of course, the follow-up to the drama that was the offensive line. One unit that was never questioned (although flew under-the-radar) was the defense. Halfway through the season the Dolphins are sitting at 5-3 and are in a prime position to contend for a playoff spot. A large reason for the first season success has been the play of the defensive front.
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Miami opened their season at home against division rival New England Patriots. The Patriots jumped on Miami early, opening up the game with a twenty point first half. With their backs pinned against the wall, the Dolphins defense was able to respond to the adversity. The Dolphins pitched a second half shutout, helping them in their 33-20 victory over the Patriots.
A big reason for the strong second half defensive performance was the ability to get pressure on Tom Brady; sacking him four times in the second half, including a sack/fumble by Cameron Wake on New England’s first second half drive.
Despite a dominate performance against the Patriots, the Dolphins defense collapsed the following week against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo was able to rush for over 100 yards and rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins had a breakout performance with 117 yards and a touchdown. The ensuing week wasn’t any friendlier. Alex Smith threw three touchdowns and Knile Davis ran for 133 yards and a touchdown in a 34-15 rout by the Kansas City Chiefs.
That was then and this is now. Led by an incredible tandem of pass rushers, the Miami Dolphins have been able to shake off their early season struggles. Defensive ends Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon have caused havoc for opposing lineman while rotational players Derrick Shelby, Jonathan Freeny and Jared Odrick have made contributions.
One player that is having an impact is free agent signing Earl Mitchell. Although his play doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, Mitchell has been an integral part to Miami’s success. At 6’3″, 300 plus pounds, Mitchell requires a lot of attention. This allows the Dolphins to generate one-on-one pass rush opportunities with Wake and Vernon.
The Dolphins pass rush is no joke. Miami currently ranks fifth in the league in sacks with 25. And yet, surprisingly, this unit has flown under the radar. It’s not just the front that is good, too. Miami has arguably the most complete defense in the league as they have multiple Pro Bowlers in the secondary.
The success up front, mixed with a few other things have surprisingly put Miami in a great position to make a playoff run. It is quite clear. The defensive line is the Dolphins bread and butter. Give them credit for their play over the last few weeks. They have definitely fueled Miami’s defense and must continue to do so moving forward.