1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Dolphins Defense Ranked 4th Overall

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by The_Dark_Knight, Sep 9, 2013.

  1. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

    11,817
    10,321
    113
    Nov 24, 2007
    Rockledge, FL
    Often we discuss the offense, Ryan Tannehill, Mike Wallace, etc and that's where the focus of our discussions usually lie, but I'd like to give some credit to the incredible job the defense did against Cleveland.

    Granted it's only been one game, but the Dolphins D is currently ranked 4th overall. Against the Browns, the defense...

    -Sacked Brandon Weedon 6 times (tied for 1st with Kansas City)
    -Intercepted Brandon Weedon 3 times (tied for 1st with Dallas)
    -Allowed only 10 points (4th behind Tennessee, Seattle and Kansas City)
    -Allowed only 47 yards rushing (3rd behind Tennessee and Cleveland)
    -Weedon was hurried 28 times, knocked down 17 and the aforementioned sacked 6 times

    One stat that may be deceiving however is the number of yards allowed passing

    -We allowed Weedon to pass for 244 yards however, that yardage came on 26 completions on 53 attempts. That averages out to 9.38 yards per completion. Quite "Henne-esque" if you ask me.

    Miami's front 4 dominated Cleveland's offensive line. I watched the replay this afternoon and the defensive line was pushing Cleveland's offensive line straight back, causing the pocket to collapse, the tackles were unable to effectively block Wake and Jordan. With the pressure the defensive line was generating and Weedon running for his life as he did yesterday, it's no wonder he threw for only a 49% completion rate.

    It's only one game. The Dolphins played GREAT and we still have 15 more games but the confidence, the aggressiveness, the tenacity of our defense yesterday...don't let Miami's defense repeat their performance next week against the Colts. Sure, we're only talking about what the D did to Brandon Weedon, but if our defense dominates Indianapolis next week, putting up similar defensive numbers they did yesterday and we hold Andrew Luck to similar stats?

    Quarterbacks are going to be scared to face our defense! Matt Ryan? Drew Brees? Joe Flacco? Tom Brady, with how you were exposed yesterday by Buffalo?

    *sniff-sniff* You guys smell that?

    Smells like an AFC East Championship to me! :up:
     
  2. Bumrush

    Bumrush Stable Genius Club Member

    29,473
    34,332
    113
    Nov 25, 2007
    Factor in that we have 3 FRESH rookies on D that will contribute as the season progresses. Talk about depth! Our D can carry the team until the offense catches up. However, winning the AFCE will require our O to gel, as we've all see what happens to D's in December when they've had to carry the load all season.
     
  3. FinSane

    FinSane Cynical Dolphins Fan

    19,862
    5,792
    113
    Dec 1, 2007
    Melbourne, Fl
    I'm excited about our defense. We were dominant upfront and our secondary looks vastly improved from last year.
     
  4. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

    32,070
    22,827
    113
    Nov 26, 2007
    Concord, MA
    one game gets me excited, but won't change my outlook for season end-result - which is 9 or 10 wins and competing for the last wildcard spot.
    if we go 2-2 the next 4 games, then I'm on board the AFC East championship bandwagon.
     
  5. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

    11,817
    10,321
    113
    Nov 24, 2007
    Rockledge, FL
    I just looked at the numbers and I am confident in saying we're going 3-1 in our first 4 games. The defense is going to annihilate Andrew Luck and the Colts and we're going to either win against New Orleans or Atlanta. I hope it will be against Atlanta at home to stir up local fan base and get asses in the stadium, but historically, we usually play well on Monday night.

    Either way, get your bandwagon spurs on! :up:
     
  6. Larry Little

    Larry Little Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    8,621
    2,680
    113
    Dec 16, 2007
    Nashville, TN
    Early in the game, the defense was giving up some big runs to Richardson. That surprised me. I have to admit, it worried me at halftime with them up by 1. I thought they'd wear us down by running it in the second half. That's what I would have done. However, the defense adjusted and stopped him, the offense finally scored, and the Browns offense had to lean on their passing game to play catch-up. Richardson was practically a non-factor in the 2nd half.

    Other than that little first-half glitch... the defense played extremely well. I am ecstatic about the sacks and turnovers. If we ever get our running game going to the point that it's at least 'average', the Dolphins are going to be very tough to beat. Even for the 'elite' teams.
     
  7. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

    27,364
    31,261
    113
    Apr 6, 2008
    Luck still scares the hell out of me, but I was very happy with our defensive performance. I gambled on our D by picking them as my number 1 defense in my fantasy league. There were many "homer" comments and snickers at the time, but at least this week nobody was laughing. In my league the Dolphin D was the second highest scoring D only behind the Chiefs (who basically shut out the Jags).

    As for the #4 ranking, it's nice, but I don't put much stock in yardage rankings. I was, however, thrilled with the pass pressure and how our DBs attacked the ball in the air. I'd love to see a ranking based on sacks/pressures/hurries, TOs caused/recovered and tipped/batted balls. I've never seen a ranking like that, but if there were one, I'd guess it would have a very high correlation with wins.
     
    Bpk likes this.
  8. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    I love defense. It is the part of football I enjoy watching most. The fact that our defense is ranked 4th overall has me happy, but I temper myself by saying it's only 1 game. Notice I don't call out the opponent because I think all teams are good teams (any given Sunday), but 1 game is a small sample size in regards to the entirety of the regular season.

    I think if we can continue on with this type of performance, then we will have a consistent defense capable of rushing the passer, and defense (IMVHO) wins championships.

    Who else is going to shut down the "high octane offenses"?
     
    Last edited: Sep 9, 2013
    FinSane and Bpk like this.
  9. Pagan

    Pagan Metal & a Mustang

    20,329
    39,767
    113
    Mar 22, 2008
    Newburgh, NY
    I'm excited as anyone, but let's be realistic and wait to pop the champagne on the AFC East crown. It was the Browns, remember?

    Let's not start to sound like Jets fans. ;)
     
    DOLPHAN1 and unifiedtheory like this.
  10. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

    5,525
    4,219
    113
    Nov 29, 2007
    PA
    Bring it on luck.
     
  11. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    Did you see how the Patriots played vs. the Bills yesterday :lol:
     
  12. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

    11,817
    10,321
    113
    Nov 24, 2007
    Rockledge, FL
    You're probably right Alan, but it's been a while since we've had a legitimate reason to be excited. If our defense plays at this caliber all season? Oh yea!
     
    Fin D likes this.
  13. 72 Dolphins

    72 Dolphins New Member

    555
    141
    0
    Aug 5, 2013
    They are right up there with SF as one of the best front 7's in football and combine that with 3 INT's and there is reason for excitement. I concur - great post.

    GO DOLPHINS!
     
  14. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    Great showing by a great defense.

    Here's the thing... if the D stays consistent, the STs stay consistent, and the Offense plays at least average, we will win the AFC East in my opinion.

    Will we stay consistent? Well, if you believe teams take after their head coach's personality, then you'd say "Yes, we will be consistent." Joe Philbin, according to everyone in the world, is the most consistent person you'll ever meet.


    2013 - Believe.
     
  15. FanMarino

    FanMarino Season Ticket Holder

    2,906
    718
    0
    Nov 24, 2007
    I've picked Dolphins D for my Fantasy league. Wanted that unit from the get go. I just know from the players we already have and the off season acquisitions that its a solid unit with a bigger upside. Philbin emphasised the turnover ratio. That's a huge piece of the jigsaw. Yesterday backed it up. The Defense played lights out. We will be sending a fair few Dolphins to the Pro Bowl imo.
     
  16. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

    27,364
    31,261
    113
    Apr 6, 2008
    That's a great point about Phibin and consistency.
     
    Bpk likes this.
  17. Pagan

    Pagan Metal & a Mustang

    20,329
    39,767
    113
    Mar 22, 2008
    Newburgh, NY
    Which was also just one game.

    Imma wait until we beat a legitimate playoff team before I start "Rex Ryaning." ;)
     
  18. BicketyBam

    BicketyBam No Fist Pumps Allowed

    4,022
    1,879
    113
    Sep 6, 2010
    New Milford, CT
    Too late!
     
  19. 72 Dolphins

    72 Dolphins New Member

    555
    141
    0
    Aug 5, 2013
    Like Brian Billick said when he moved us ZERO places in his power ratings... "It was Cleveland - Lets not get too excited"

    But hey, it's fun to be the "ELITE" team of the bottom quarter of the league.
     
  20. brandon27

    brandon27 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    45,652
    19,304
    113
    Dec 3, 2007
    Windsor, ON. CANADA
    While I definately think our Defense is good, You've got to wonder how much of Sunday was due to the fact that it was only week 1, alot of sloppy offensive football around the league this year, including Cleveland. Weeden... isn't that good either, and neither were the WR's we were playing against on Sunday. Defenses are usually still ahead of the offense at this point in the season, so I'm sure that has a bit to do with it.

    However, that being said, I love our defense. The front 7 is probably the best in the league. Wake is one of the top 2 or 3 pass rushers in the league IMO as well. I'm really interested to see what things look like when Taylor and Davis are able to return to action.

    I hope the defense plays like they did on Sunday, all year. If they do and if our run game can actually get some push and give us a running game, just enough to keep teams honest, we should be good to go.
     
  21. Finrunner

    Finrunner Season Ticket Holder

    2,385
    1,117
    113
    Dec 11, 2007
    Personally, I think the past couple of years, Cameron Wake has been a Hall of Fame-caliber player at DE. He is as disruptive a force from his DE position as anyone I can remember on the Dolphins, including JT, who also could be very disruptive, and really as disruptive as any of the best pass rushers in the league.

    We should enjoy watching Cam Wake and not take him for granted. Cam Wakes don't come along that often.
     
  22. Larryfinfan

    Larryfinfan 17-0...Priceless Club Member

    Right now, two things concern me about the D....

    1) The CB situation with Patterson banged up. Taylor and Davis are up and coming, but not there yet. Luck would eat either of them alive if Patterson can't go...

    2) Missed Tackles, particularly in the second level - Clemons, Wheeler and Jones were taking bad angles at times...Look at the rushing of Richardson, particularly early in the game and there was a lot of missed tackles, arm tackles, complete whiffs, etc...

    This doesn't mean I'm disappointed in their performance, because we are going to HAVE to rely on the D until this OL either gels or they start dumping guys to see what they have behind the starters....JJ is clearly still affected by the injury, Clabo was taken advantage of a few times, none of the rest of the guys looked like HOFers either...
     
  23. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    And the New England D had a fantastic showing, living up the pre-season predictions of them being a well oiled, improved, turnover machine, tallying 0 INTs, 0 Fumbles, and 0 Sacks, and gave up rushing yards rating them 29th in the league...in their Buffalo game...

    Usual Disclaimer: Small sample...but I like it anyway!

    Edit: They did have 1 fumble, but gave away 2 fumbles and an INT, so -2 T/O ratio.
     
    cuchulainn likes this.
  24. TooGoodForDez

    TooGoodForDez Deion Sanders for GM

    3,840
    636
    0
    Feb 26, 2013
    daym, that's good
     
  25. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    How did our offense rank?
     
  26. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

    53,148
    31,935
    113
    Nov 23, 2007
    Katy, TX
    We're like 17th (tied) in points right now and 25th in yards.
     
  27. PhinFan1968

    PhinFan1968 To 2020, and BEYOND! Club Member

    Ya and strangely enough, that's where we're at in a few power rankings also...like 17th. What really cracked me up was the one power ranking (AP I think) that had us there and said something to the effect of, "they had 3 field goals...that won't cut it against other teams." Yet the Patsies have 3 FGs, and they're an offensive power house (and scored 23 like we did).

    Entertainment purposes only for sure...quite funny.
     
    Fin D likes this.
  28. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

    27,364
    31,261
    113
    Apr 6, 2008
    My preseason guess that I posted on this site through various posts was that our D could be great and that our offense was good enough to average 23 points per game.
     
  29. 77FinFan

    77FinFan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    8,215
    1,896
    113
    Mar 10, 2013
    Buckeye Land
    Had to run this through my sarcasm detection software.
     
  30. cuchulainn

    cuchulainn Táin Bó Cúailnge Club Member

    23,698
    39,847
    113
    Sep 7, 2012
    Hattiesburg, MS
    4th my ***... KC beat up the jags. Is there a worst team? And the Giants imploded in the Cowboys game and still were in the game the whole time and almost won it.

    Our D will be in the top 3 or so all season if we can get and stay healthy, and even with the injuries, we're still better than half the league.
     
  31. The_Dark_Knight

    The_Dark_Knight Defender of the Truth

    11,817
    10,321
    113
    Nov 24, 2007
    Rockledge, FL
    I was saying similar after the drafting of Dion Jordan; with Jordan on one side and Wake on the other...don't be a quarterback facing 3rd & long with this pass rush!
     
  32. Dolphins1Beatles

    Dolphins1Beatles Ziggy Stardust

    4,749
    1,940
    113
    Oct 9, 2009
    New York
    It was very fun to watch and you could tell the defense is going to be faster and is going to make bigger plays...for example, Patterson already has the same amount of INTs that Sean Smith had all of last season. And he's our #2 behind Brent Grimes, Smith was #1.

    But yes, it was the Browns. However, we won't have to wait long to find out if the defense can make some of the top offenses scramble and make mistakes. We've got the Colts on the road, high flying Falcons come to town (Gonzalez with 100 yards and 1 TD likely. We still couldn't cover the Browns TE.), Brees & the Saints in the Superdome in Primetime (I'm fully expecting a loss, just hope its not too bad.), and then the Super Bowl champion Ravens who can still put up points even if their D is worse off than 2012. Though minus Pitta & Boldin, they shouldn't be as tough as INDY/ATL/NOLA.

    Should have a top 10 D (if they stay healthy). Could be better depending what happens these next few tough games.
     
  33. VanDolPhan

    VanDolPhan Club member Club Member

    13,057
    8,875
    113
    Nov 26, 2007
    Hamilton, Ontario Canada
    Good news. Davis was back practicing. So our corner depth just improved some. We just need Patterson to get healthy.
     

Share This Page