Miami Dolphins: 10 observations from Week 10 win over Browns

Miami Dolphins: 10 observations from win over Browns

2. Pass rush helps the cornerbacks

There was some noise at the trade deadline about the Dolphins not addressing their needs in the secondary, but it seems as though their plan has worked, through the first couple of games, at least.

Miami’s defense was able to provide pressure all afternoon, much of it coming from the trio of Jaelan Phillips, Melvin Ingram, and Bradley Chubb, showing why the Dolphins have invested so much in the pass rush in recent years. Brissett had very little time to through on many of his drop backs, making the jobs of the mostly-inexperienced cornerbacks a lot easier. If they are able to continue getting after opposing quarterbacks, then the injuries to the secondary may not wind up hurting as badly.

3. Great plays made by linebackers in the running game

The linebacker play has been suspect all season, but they stepped up in a big way on Sunday against the Browns, especially against the running game. Nick Chubb came in to the contest as the league’s second leading rusher, and Miami’s defense did plenty to stifle him, with the linebackers playing a big part.

Two plays stood out in particular. The first came in the first quarter on possibly the hardest hit of the day, as Elandon Roberts met Chubb in the hole and body slammed him for a one-yard gain, sending an early message. The second was made by Jerome Baker, as he made a similar play on Kareem Hunt that resulted in a loss of yards and eventually a turnover on downs.