Miami Dolphins Top Players: Defense
By Brian Miller
Defensive End
Oct 14 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) causes St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford (8) to fumble in the fourth quarter at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Cameron Wake should see a lot of one on one blocking this year but it’s really what happens on the other side of the field that will carry the Dolphins defense. Vernon has two very solid seasons and is looking at getting paid after this year when his contract his up. Contract years typically produce good seasons and the addition of Suh to pair with Wake should give Vernon more of a shot of making an impact from the opposite side as teams will more than likely role their blocking schemes in the direction of the Suh/Wake combination on the left side.
Vernon needs to get better in coverage however and it’s likely that many plays will be run his way either by quick passes or on the ground, this will be vital as Vernon will become the guy that gets targeted the most making him the major key at the defensive end position. How well he plays will go a long way to the success of the Dolphins defense.