The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s an ever-evolving picture that changes throughout the season as teams deal with injuries, and winning and losing streaks. Offensive-minded teams attract attention and promote viewership in an offensive-driven league. It’s just the way of the NFL in 2024, but sometimes teams like the Miami Dolphins need the defense to take the reins and win games. In Miami, old-school football is currently taking center stage.

Dolphins Defense Rising to the Occasion in Miami

An Early Season Bright Spot

When quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went down with an injury in Week 2, the approach was bound to change on offense. Miami brought in quarterback Tyler Huntley to provide a different style under center, but the offense as a whole has taken a back seat to the defense since Tagovailoa’s injury. Plain and simple the offense has struggled without Tua, and as Huntley continues to learn the offense the defense has kept them in games. After five games and as the Dolphins head into their bye, Miami ranks sixth in total defense, fourth in passing, and 19th in rushing defense.

The Dolphins rank right in the middle of the league in scoring defense as well. Despite the often anemic performances put forth by the offense much of the last three weeks, the defense is the main reason they sit just one game back of first in the AFC East amid the early season turmoil. The offense reminded fans that they’re still around in their Week 5 win, at least when it comes to running the ball. Miami totaled 193 yards on the ground against the Patriots. But new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver is making his presence felt.

Overcoming Injuries

Miami has dealt with its fair share of injuries on defense. Standout edge rusher Jaelan Phillips is out for the season for the second straight year with a partially torn ACL. Jevon Holland, one of the league’s top safeties, broke a bone in his hand against New England. He’ll likely miss some time unless he opts to play with a cast. Miami has seen multiple other defenders like David Long, Jordan Poyer, and Kendall Fuller miss time with various injuries. Despite that, the defense has persevered.

Standouts on the Miami Dolphins Defense

No spot on the defense has been as impressive as the interior of the defensive line has been with the duo of Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell. Sieler has been a crucial piece in Miami’s defense for years and is proving his prior success wasn’t simply based on playing next to former Dolphin Christian Wilkins.

Sieler has 14 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and an interception so far. Campbell has added nine tackles, and two sacks himself. Miami’s defense has struggled against the run at times this season, but much of that comes on the edges or when either Sieler, Campbell, or both are out of the game.

The two have been the best Defensive tackle duo in the league through five weeks. They’ve been a force on the interior of Miami’s defensive front, putting together a pass rush grade of 90 with a 23.9% win rate, per Pro Football Focus. Making life miserable up the middle for opposing passers.

In addition to the great play of Sieler and Campbell, Miami fields a defense that features Jalen Ramsey, Kendall Fuller, Jevon Holland, David Long, and first-round pick Chop Robinson. It will also get a boost when Bradley Chubb returns from his offseason knee surgery. The loss of Phillips is a big one, but Miami can weather the storm as it continues to grow in Weaver’s scheme.

The Dolphins have been an offensive team for years now. Watching them struggle on that side of the ball isn’t something fans are familiar with. It’s clear now though that even after Tagovailoa returns, this team may adopt a defensive mindset with a run-first approach on offense. An in-season identity change that while currently necessary, may prove to be a breath of fresh air for Miami, as the season continues to unfold.