Absolutely nobody expected this.
The unit that was supposed to be the backbone of the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 team, the group that vowed to set the table for the entire franchise, is getting spanked on a weekly basis.
Heading into Monday night’s nationally televised game against the fellow 0-3 New York Jets, the Dolphins possess the worst defense in the NFL [depending on the metric used]. Unfortunately for Miami, there are no obvious fixes in sight.
Is it the scheme used that’s been the problem [a 3-4 doesn’t excel without a good nose tackle]? Is it the personnel [Dolphins did wait UNTIL the last minute to add starting-caliber cornerbacks]? Is it the need to replace a starter or a key role player [Willie Gay Jr. could bring more energy if he played more]?
If we’re being honest, it has been everything.
The Dolphins defense is last in points allowed (32.3) per game heading into Week 4 contests. That’s 9.6 points higher than the league average of 22.7 points allowed.
“Communication. We’re not communicating well in the first half,” linebacker Jordyn Brooks explained when asked what was the difference between the generous defense Miami had in the first half of last week’s 31-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills and the frugal defense that arrived in the third quarter.
“We are going through growing pains. No excuse, [but it’s] growing pains. The first half was all communication. People not knowing what the call is. Us not making the right calls. That’s what slowed us down [against the Bills],” said Brooks, who has recorded 26 tackles and a sack. “When we’re communicating, we can play fast and everyone knows what they got. Everyone knows their assignment, and we can get some stops.”
Ten teams are allowing opposing quarterbacks a rating above 100, which means the quarterback play is elite, and the Dolphins are dead last with a 128.9 passer rating from games by Daniel Jones, Drake Maye and Josh Allen.
Miami is allowing 22.7 first downs per game. Only the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have allowed more.
Only three teams haven’t produced a turnover this season, and that’s the Dolphins, the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders. Miami’s minus-5 turnover differential is tied with Dallas for last in the NFL.
“We have to smash the run on first and second downs, and then make quarterbacks throw the ball [on third down], which allows our rushers to go after the quarterback, putting pressure on them,” safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said. “[The pressure] allows the secondary to play with vision on third down and creates turnovers.
“If you look at the majority of turnovers [in the NFL] they are interceptions, tipped balls, batted balls, sack fumbles. If you don’t ever put yourself in position to rush the quarterback, make him throw the ball, you’re not going to see a whole lot of turnovers.”
Miami ranks 29th in yards (6.10) per play and rushing yards allowed per game (145). Miami’s 30th in passing yards per play (8.45), and 31st in third down defense (52.6).
That’s 13.3% higher than the NFL average this season.
The rookies playing prominent roles — Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips, Jason Marshall Jr. and Dante Trader Jr. — are struggling, experiencing the growing pains that come with being NFL newcomers.
The game’s moving fast, and the players are moving even faster. And unfortunately for the Dolphins, some of the rookies and veteran players aren’t sticking to the script because they are seeking out impact plays, instead of letting it come to them.
“He’s out there playing with a bunch of new people,” Weaver said last week, explaining why Zach Sieler has produced 10 tackles in the first three games, despite rarely facing a double-team. “There is no Christian Wilkins out there, there is no 16-year pro in Calais Campbell. He’s trying to nurture some young bucks and continue to try to build on his rapport with Jaelan Phillips, and [Bradley] Chubb and Chop [Robinson].”
Weaver then points out that the bulk of Miami’s defensive front didn’t play together last season since Chubb and Phillips were sidelined by their knee injuries, Grant and Phillips are newcomers, and inside linebacker Tyrel Dodson sparingly worked with the starting group.
“I think [Zach’s] probably putting a little too much on his plate, which may be slowing him down a little bit,” Weaver continued. “We’ve got to help alleviate some of that.”
And that’s on Weaver, as is getting Miami’s defenders to communicate better, and tighten the screws against the run.
“It’s plenty of time to analyze how we operate in the game. Figure out what you individually can do better,” Fitzpatrick said. “We [have] more football games left to play. We just got to win the next one.”
And maybe then the tide will turn and Miami’s defense can get back to being respectable.