Miami Dolphins defense review, the talent loaded front four

The strength of the Miami Dolphins defense last year was without a doubt the defensive line. Multiple players had good years, and could be better next year.

This is part one of a three part series reviewing the Miami Dolphins’ defense. Christian Wilkins, Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, Raekwon Davis, and Melvin Ingram headline a talent filled defensive line for the Dolphins.

Let us start with the flashy thing, their ability to rush the passer. The Dolphins finished the year with 40 sacks. Phillips led the way with seven sacks on the season. Ingram was right behind him with six.

Let us start with Phillips. He had a great year two. His sacks were down from last year, but his total tackles was up by over 20 and he had nine more quarterback hits this year than last year.

Phillips could emerge in year three as a star. He can get after the passer and his ability to defend the run improved dramatically. People are excited about the future of Jevon Holland, and they should be, but I am more excited about the impact Phillips could have for years to come.

I would like to see the Dolphins resign Ingram. Since the Dolphins traded for Bradley Chubb he will not be a starter next year, but he adds depth to the position. He played well this past season, and even with limited snaps at the end of the year he proved he could be productive.

Before I move on to the less glamorous side of playing the defensive line it would be a crime if I did not address the piss poor play of Bradley Chubb.

I was excited when the Dolphins traded for Chubb and extended him. Then, he played horrendously. Over the eight games he played as a member of the Miami Dolphins he had two and a half sacks, 13 tackles, and 12 quarterback hits.

It was so underwhelming. The good news is that the Dolphins officially announced Vic Vangio as the new defensive coordinator. Chubb is a talented player who had some success under Vangio in Denver. I expect him to play much better this year.

Now, let us look at the run defense. It was anchored by Pro-Bowl snub Christian Wilkins.

Opposing teams averaged just over 103 yards per game running the ball. That was the fourth best mark in the NFL.

That run defense was anchored by Christian Wilkins. Wilkins had an incredible year. He had 98 tackles, that is an insane number for a defensive lineman. He single handily limited the opposing team’s run game.

Wilkins’s dominance overshadowed how productive of a year Zach Seiler had. The former seventh round pick had 70 tackles and three and a half sacks. He was extremely consistent, and outperformed former second round pick Raekwon Davis.

Davis has to be better. He is extremely talented, but he has not produced since being drafted in 2020. If he can develop; the potential three headed monster of Wilkins, Seiler, and Davis would be lethal.

This line is loaded with talent. They had a solid year this year, and I can not wait to see what Vic Vangio does with this unit.