Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Dolphins vs. Jets is an audition for free agent QBs

By Neil Patrick Healy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Myles Gaskin #3 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Michael Carter II #30 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Myles Gaskin #3 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Michael Carter II #30 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Christian Wilkins #94 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 25: Christian Wilkins #94 of the Miami Dolphins is introduced before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Defense: Dolphins

For the Dolphins, the best storylines on defense have been defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. Wilkins is the No. 7 interior defender in the league and has been the foundation of everything Miami wants to do defensively. He has been great at stopping the run and helping the entire line generate pressure. Wilkins is in line for a big extension this offseason. Phillips, a second-year player from the University of Miami, is turning into one of the best young pass rushers in the league. He ranks No. 11 overall among all edge defenders and still has room to develop.

After Wilkins and Phillips, other bright spots for the Dolphins are linebacker Jerome Baker and defensive tackle Zach Sieler. Baker, a fifth-year linebacker from Ohio State, is on the cusp of his third 100-tackle season in the last four years. He has an overall grade of 77.1 and a pass rush grade of 87.5. Sieler lines up next to Wilkins at defensive tackle and ranks No. 20 overall among all interior defenders.

The secondary has been the issue for Miami all season. Kader Kohou, an undrafted rookie, is the highest-graded cornerback on the roster. Xavien Howard made another Pro Bowl as a corner even though he frankly didn’t deserve to, as Howard ranks No. 85 overall and has a pass coverage grade of 55.3. Howard is in the first year of a five-year, $90,000,000 contract he signed this past offseason, and his play thus far is not a good sign if he continues to regress.

The other cause for concern for the Dolphins is outside linebacker Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins traded for the former No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 draft during the trade deadline and proceeded to give him a five-year, $110,000,000 deal. Since arriving in South Beach, Chubb has been a non-factor, only tallying 13 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. PFF ranks him No. 55 among all edge defenders, which usually doesn’t match a $110,000,000 contract.

Edge: New York

While Miami does have exciting pieces, New York has more elite talent and more depth of talent overall. Miami also has potential problems with Howard’s and Chubb’s massive contracts if their play doesn’t improve.

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