10 players Miami Dolphins need for playoff run
By Brian Miller
Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Matt Asiata (44) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Koa Misi (55) and defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) tackle him in the second half of the game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
KOA MISI
Koa Misi will start at middle linebacker for only his 2nd season. We know that last years experiment didn’t quite make everyone all warm and fuzzy. Misi says he is far more comfortable this season and that is important because it may be his last chance. There are no excuses given the formidable defensive line that Miami has in front of him.
Misi’s biggest issue to me is his indecisiveness and frankly he needs to make better reads and decisions. He has been far too inconsistent with pursuit angles and needs to work better on wrapping his tackles. We haven’t seen a whole lot from him the past two pre-season games as he has been nursing a small injury but when he is in he needs to get better and given the depth behind him, he is likely the best option for the Dolphins.
Kelvin Sheppard has played simply o.k. and the Dolphins can’t rely on him to be a starter. He just hasn’t shown that much yet. Zach Vigil is very intriguing and has a huge non-stop motor but can the team rely on him to start? Not this year, not full time. That leaves Misi.
Health may be a concern but it’s the play on the field that will make it critical this season. The Dolphins linebacker were part of the problem last season against the run and Misi specifically was a problem. If the Dolphins are going to get the most out of the defensive line, Misi is the one who needs to take advantage of it. This year Misi should see less lineman coming to block him. This will free him for blitzes and filling the gaps for run protection.
The Dolphins are not too bad on the outside where Jelani Jenkins looks as good as last season and Chris McCain is trying to hold down the other side but the middle is important and Misi is one member of this defense that needs to step up to the challenge in order for success on defense this year.