The Dolphins' preseason opener against the Washington Commanders was a mixed bag for the defense, with some bright spots and areas that need improvement. The game provided valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses, and it's time to dive into the key takeaways.
One of the most intriguing developments was the performance of defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. Phillips, a fifth-round pick, had an excellent stop for no gain and was rated 19th among 36 players who logged defensive snaps for Miami. This is a significant improvement from his previous performances, and it's worth noting that he was up against a strong opponent. Phillips' performance raises an interesting question: could he end up being a more valuable asset than Kenneth Grant, Miami's first-round pick in the last draft run by Chris Grier? Grant, unfortunately, was ranked 36th and last for his work on 10 snaps, and it's too small a sample size to make any conclusions. However, Grant must parlay his improved conditioning into more impactful play.
The backup defensive tackles, including Matthew Butler and Keith Cooper Jr., also had their moments. Butler, in his defense, played well at times in 215 defensive snaps for the Dolphins last season, and it would be a surprise if the team moves on from him, especially with Sieler's injury. Cooper Jr., on the other hand, is battling for a backup roster spot, and it remains to be seen if he will stake a convincing claim.
The linebacking corps also had its fair share of highlights and lowlights. Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., and Trey Moore led the way with 23, 35, and 48 defensive snaps, respectively. Moore, in particular, continues to impress with his diverse skill set, and he is competing for a role in Miami's 4-3 defense. However, the backup linebackers, including Rodney McGraw and Jackson Woodard, struggled in coverage against Washington reserves, with both allowing passes to be caught for significant yardage.
The safeties also had their moments, with Zayne Anderson and Michael Taaffe opening the game. Anderson, a likely starter for the first time in his career, was graded by PFF as Miami's second-best player on defense in only nine snaps. Taaffe, on the other hand, was rated only 33rd, ahead of only Goode, Huntley, and Grant. The Dolphins also gave 30 defensive snaps to veteran Lonnie Johnson, who is on his seventh team in five years and could soon be looking for an eighth if he doesn't play better.
The cornerbacks, led by first-round pick Chris Johnson, also had their moments. Johnson, in his NFL game debut, allowed one of two targets to be caught for 14 yards but made a very good play on the ball on the other target and nearly intercepted it in the end zone. Most of the other corners held up in coverage, with Marco Wilson making Miami's only interception on his only target on the final play of the first quarter. However, Alex Austin and Nick McLeod allowed significant yardage on their targets.
Overall, the Dolphins' defense showed some promise, but there are areas that need improvement. The team must address the backup defensive tackles, the linebacking corps, and the safeties to ensure that they are prepared for the regular season. The preseason opener provided valuable insights into the team's strengths and weaknesses, and it's time for the Dolphins to build on these lessons as they prepare for the upcoming season.
