Miami Dolphins: 3 realistic goals for Jaelan Phillips in 2022

Miami Dolphins: Jaelan Phillips goal #1: 10.5+ sacks

While it may be considered a weak point on the roster (compared to the rest), the pass rush for the Miami Dolphins was one of the best in 2021. The defense finished tied for 5th for most sacks in the league, despite not having a dominant, All-Pro level talent at either of its edge spots. In fact, of those top 5 teams, the Dolphins were one of only two without a double-digit sack leader.

One of Jaelan Phillips’ goals in 2022 should be to change that narrative. We saw spurts of brilliance last season, including his 3 sack performance against the Panthers, which lead us to believe that he can be the effective pass rusher that his college resume suggested when Miami drafted him. If he can work on being less streaky with his performance, then he may be able to string together some dominant stretches that will aid his sack total at the end of the year.

If last season is any evidence, the Dolphins will plan to rush the quarterback from all positions, including by safeties and other defensive backs. This will certainly help the team total, but it could again be a sack-by-committee crew for Miami, and Phillips could end up being at the top of the leader board if all goes well for him.

Phillips should shoot for 10.5 sacks on the season, which would be a 2 sack improvement from 2021.