5 Dolphins defenders who disappointed in 2015

Olivier Vernon

It’s hard to put Vernon on this list as he was rated one of the best defensive ends in the league in 2015 but there is a reason that is two-fold. For starters, Vernon didn’t play well to start the season and he was expected to get better in 2015 making big strides as opposing offenses would cater their blocking schemes to stopping Cam Wake and Ndamukong Suh.

Vernon’s slow start was highlighted by the fact that he was flagged more than any other player for late hits on opposing quarterbacks. The good news is he was getting pressure but he lacked the discipline to pull up after the ball was released. On several occasions flags were flown for hitting the quarterback low. Vernon however did not make this list because of penalties.

What disappointed the most was the fact that Vernon didn’t turn his “game” on until late in the season with the Dolphins already out of any real post-season contention. It almost seemed as though Vernon began playing for a new contract instead of playing to help the team win. While changes on the defense were made after Kevin Coyle was let go, Vernon didn’t start playing to his athletic level until well after that bye week change.

Had Vernon played with the same intensity and at the same level he finished the season the Dolphins may have had different outcomes in a couple of games. It may not have made a big difference overall but it was disappointing to watch such a talented defender wait until later in the year to play at that level.

Next: Jordan Phillips