Phin Phanatic
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Top five story lines for todays Miami Dolphins 2019 opener

By Brian Miller

MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 22: A detailed view of Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Miami Dolphins helmet with the 100 NFL seasons logo on the back before the start of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 22: A detailed view of Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Miami Dolphins helmet with the 100 NFL seasons logo on the back before the start of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of their game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets in the fourth quarter of their game at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) /

Jerome Baker

Through the entire off-season we have heard how good Jerome Baker is. Through pre-season he showed why he is the defensive leader but now it is for real. Now we need to see how he is going to be used and how he responds to those critical moments when his number is called to make a tackle or sack the quarterback.

Baker is the captain of the defense. He calls the plays and has the green sticker on his helmet. Brian Flores and DC Patrick Graham are relying on him to be as good as he has shown. This is 2nd season in the NFL and he is trending up. Now he needs to continue that upward momentum.

Miami believes they have a long-term solution at linebacker and Baker needs to prove them right. Win or lose today, Baker will have a lot prove and while he alone won’t change the game he can dictate the momentum of the defense.

Baker could be the Dolphins defensive MVP. He showed a lot of traits in 2018 that great linebackers should have but he needs to continue to grow and he still has a lot to learn. He has really good vision and reads the blocking schemes well. Now he needs to start attacking and using his instincts more. In this system, if it is what he hope it will be, Baker could and should shine.

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