Campbell even at 37 years old is still a titan on the field!
I’ve liked a ton of what the Miami Dolphins have done in this offseason… and some I’ve hated. The loss of Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, and Connor Williams meant the Phins lost a ton of physicality and brute power. Skills talent and speed a beautiful sight to behold, unless it gets caught in the corner of the ring by the bigger mauler. This is why the addition of Calais Campbell is such a big deal for the Dolphins chances in 2024. Not only does he know Anthony Weaver’s defense, is a great mentor and leader, but he bring power lots and lots of power with his 6’8” 282lbs body to this team. I get the first thing you might say is he’s old–and he is for an NFL defensive linemen at 37 years old. But, if you look at what this guy did last season, you’ll hold that though because Campbell is a freak of freaks and a future Hall of Famer that still has plenty in the tank!
Miami desperately needed some powerful maulers
No Campbell isn’t what he was five years ago when Wink Martindale dubbed him the best 5-technique defensive linemen in the game, but he is still very good.
The Atlanta Falcons had the 11th best defense in total yards in 2023 and Campbell was somewhere around the 2nd to 4th best player on the roster. I’d say the 3rd best. And his contribution wasn’t in limited duty because he had 712 reps last season, consider 28 year old Zach Sieler had 924, only 212 more!
Campbell was mostly used in pass rushing situations last year with 412 pass rushes to 289 run stops, but still had 7 sacks, 10 hits, 25 hurries, and 36 stops. His 36 run stops was tied for 24th best in the NFL among all defensive tackles and edge players! This is where Campbell will have his biggest impact: in run defense.
Yes, the pass rush aspect of his game is very important.
Yes, his presence gives Chubb and Phillips a buffer as they recover from injuries and is a great mentor for Kamara and Chop.
But, its Campbell’s ability to stop the run that is key for this defensive scheme because their philosophy demands that they run a light personnel grouping to thrive. Campbell in his 5-tech destroys tight ends and demands doubles with tight ends and tackles. This asset will allow Kamara and Chop to start with pass rush as their main diet and slow roll their run defense, which can be tricky for rookies and isn’t either rookies best skillset.
Phins will see plenty of physical teams in bad weather this season
The loss of Christian Wilkins inside will be felt this season. His ability to disrupt, put huge numbers of reps on the field, and be a leader and spark plug can’t be underestimated. But, Campbell will dull that pain quite a bit with his ability to anchor the strong side of the offenses formation.
Miami has about 12 teams on their schedule that love to run the ball and be physical and that can be kryptonite for this offense. Last year, when the Raven held their opponent run game in check, they were tops in the league in lowest opposing quarterback rating. But, when opposing offenses got the ground game going especially on 1st Down, they fell to bottom 3 in the league.
You can bet with the best pay per head that I’m not saying Campbell is the final piece for a Super Bowl run. What I am saying is this team sorely lack physicality and big bodies and Campbell is one and will help this defense a ton. Zach Sieler with Shaq Barrett and Campbell is a very nice parring. Now imagine when Chubb and Phillips get right and Chop and Kamara knock some of that green off?! Go Phins!!!