Defense Shows Promise in Preseason Opener
No, the performance was not perfect.
But, in the pre-season opener against the Bears, the Dolphins’ defense showed a lot of promise in the first half, which was when the main starters/rotation players were on the field.
In the first series, which was the presumed week 1 starters, Miami’s defense was dominant.
Granted, Chicago’s offensive starters were not fully in the game either, but still, there were a lot of things to like.
Yes, there are holes in the secondary, but as shown in the first series of the game, if Miami’s front seven can get pressure, then the secondary issues will not matter.
In that first series, you also saw some scheme tendencies that should continue through the rest of the season.
Mainly, Willie Gay Jr. is just being all over the place, and a lot of credit should go to Miami Dolphins linebacker coach Ryan Crow as well for Gay’s improvement.
On the second down sack on the first possession of the game, Gay Jr. lined up on the edge of the defense.
He was able to beat the offensive tackle, and with the help of Benito Jones getting pressure up the middle as well, it made for an easy sack by Gay.
The next play, Miami sustained more pressure and was able to force a quick throw, make the tackle short of the sticks, and get off the field.
That will be the formula for Miami’s defense to be successful.
Get quick pressure to force the ball out of the quarterback’s hands quickly, rally as a team, and make the tackle.
Yes, the Dolphins will not have all-pro corners who can be on islands against receivers.
But that will be okay if the scheme can cover them.
It will also help if the Dolphins can get the pass rush that they need from their highly accomplished pass rushers in Bradley Chubb, Chop Robinson, and Jaelan Phillips.
Add in the potential from Jordyn Brooks and Gay Jr. to blitz from anywhere, and Miami should be able to hide any deficiencies in the back end of the defense.
The blueprint for success on defense is there.
All you have to do is look at the first drive of the pre-season.
