The Phins loaded up on defensive talent despite being a stout 2020 defense
The Miami Dolphins took a big step in the right direction last year with their 10-6 record. In 2021, the hopes are high that they can improve on this again. A major reason for the Phins’ quick turnaround last season was their Defense. It will be the backbone of all the success this season, but can they be even better this season?
Last year, the defense was a ‘bend but don’t break’ type of defense that gave up 367.9 yards per game, which was 20th best in the league.
This can easily be improved upon.
Impact defense more than made up for the yards allowed
However, Miami made up for surrendering all the yards by allowing only 21.1 points per game, which was tied for 5th best in the league with the Saints. The other big thing was that the Dolphins led the league with 29 turnovers, with 18 interceptions and 11 fumbles! Howard’s 10 interceptions accounted for more than half the team’s interceptions, something that may be hard to replicate again–especially if he holds out or is traded. In addition, the Dolphins had 41 sacks last year which was tied for 10th best with the Green Bay Packers.
That’s serious impact defense, for sure!
Most of the best football betting software is betting that the Dolphins are not going to be able to match that 29 turnover number again. I would love to see it, but unfortunately, there is some luck that goes into turnovers. So, it’s not a knock to fell it will be tough to replicate that many turnovers again. However, somewhere in the twenties would be great.
Sack leaders lost… and sack leaders gained?
In terms of sacks, we lost Kyle Van Noy and Shaq Lawson, who combined for 10 total sacks, which was just about 25% of all our sacks last year. That’s a lot of sacks to make up…
…However, the Dolphins did draft Jaelan Phillips in the first round, so he should get plenty of opportunities to create pressure on the QB. Miami also gets the return of Vince Biegel, who missed all of last year with an Achilles injury. This isn’t a small thing if he is healthy. Jerome Baker was resigned and expects to improve in 2021 as a blitzer. Andrew Van Ginkel only had roughly 500 snaps in 2020, so will Van Noy out the door, he should get even more opportunities. Add in DE Emmanuel Ogbahm who had 9 sacks and all the tools are there to equal or surpass the 2020 sack totals.
While I think the turnovers may dip, I can see the sack totals rising, especially if the offense gets in gear and Miami plays with the lead more often. — HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
Flores is verging on special as a defensive coordinator
There is no mystery that Coach Flores is a defensive-minded coach. For two seasons, his schemes get the most out of his players, so the expectations should be that the defense is Top 5 in the league. Despite all the offensive firepower added, the defense will be our strength. In comparison, the offense has potential… but a lot of questions need to be answered at QB, the running game, and the offensive line. Of course, this could totally flip if Tua breaks out and Howard is unavailable. Let’s pray Tua breaks out and Howard is available!
Even with the loss of the veteran leadership of Bobby McCain, our secondary should still be elite–as long as the coaches can continue to scheme up ways to get pressure on the QB, which makes life easier on our secondary. Can Jevon Holland be as good as advertised and claim one of the starting safety roles? If he can outplay McCain, then look out!
Given how uneven the 2020 Season was for the league and the Dolphins, Brian Flores still managed quite an impressive showing. Barring anything crazy, with all the new talent, maturation of young players, and a ‘normal season’, Flores has everything he needs to outdo last season. I’m betting Flores and this Phins’ defense bring something special.
What are the rest of the Phins news fans feel about our defense chances this year compared to last year? — What to Look For in Sports Betting Software.
