Miami Dolphins: Jalen Ramsey’s injury not a huge set-back
After what happened to Jalen Ramsey, it appears the Miami Dolphins can’t catch a break. However, Fins Nation need not worry, the Dolphins will be just fine.
The 2023 off-season saw the Miami Dolphins make a splash by acquiring All-Pro cornerback., Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams. Things were looking good for a team that is loaded with talent. Fans were hopeful given how close the Fins played the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. Yes, I know almost doesn’t count in football, but still.
Then, the injury bug struck. The Fins lost their newly acquired All-Pro corner for the regular season to a knee injury. According to reports, Ramsey will be sidelined until December, and that’s being generous. The former first-round pick will likely miss the entire season, and who knows what will happen going forward. Despite the injury, the Find doesn’t need to worry about Ramsey’s injury setting them back. No it doesn’t have anything to do with the signing of Eli Apple.
3. Vic Fangio’s defensive philosophy
One of the main reasons the Fins don’t need to panic with Jalen Ramsey’s injury is Vic Fangio. The long-time defensive coordinator is known around the league as a genius. In fact, his style of defense has become a staple across many teams in the NFL
One of the key aspects of Fangio’s defense is its reliance on the versatility at the safety position. Meaning, players like Brandon Jones and Jevon Holland are arguably more pivotal to the defense. This defense asks safeties to play closer to the line and take on interior gap responsibilities while maintaining deep coverage responsibilities.
Fangio’s defense relies on a 2-safety shell. This allows for post-snap rotations and disguises, keeping offenses guessing and off-balance. By rolling into different coverages and adjusting the safeties’ positions closer to the line of scrimmage, creating a crowded box making it harder to run the ball.
This blend of coverages, such as Cover 3 and Cover 4, allows his safeties to rotate seamlessly and disrupt offensive passing lanes effectively. Despite his 2-high safety look, Fangio rarely plays traditional Cover 2. Instead, he disguises the coverage or employs creative rotations to keep offenses guessing. This strategic approach requires athletic safeties capable of handling the complexities of late drops to deep coverage and rotation responsibilities.
And there’s the DL. Up front, he relies on his edge rushers. He creates pressure with stunts and twists in passing situations. Christian Wilkins will likely see his sack and pressures increase a bit. Meanwhile, Bradley Chubb, who balled under Fangio is key along with Jaelan Philips.
Of course losing Ramsey is a blow but this defense is a machine that doesn’t rely on one player. It doesn’t hurt that the Fins have a nice insurances policy