How Criminal Was the Ramsey Trade?!
Jalen was had for less than a ham sandwich
If it was unclear to anyone whether the Miami Dolphins were all in or not for the 2023 Season, the trade for Jalen Ramsey had better clear it up. There are so many reasons why this was the right move, but what makes it extra sweet is that the Phins acquired Ramsey from the LA Rams for little more than a ham sandwich of a 3rd Round pick in 2023 and TE Hunter Long. Even the dourest have to admit that the addition of Vic Fangio and Jalen Ramsey to this star-studded Dolphins defense sets the bar of hope and expectation to the moon.
I know, I know. Once bitten, twice shy.
Yes, I’m well aware we Dolphins’ fans have had hollow hype pumped on us like raw sewage for years. This time though the hype feels a bit different, doesn’t it?
I’m going to hit a few key points about why this hype could be real… this time.
Let’s hit the basics first
In 2022, Miami ranked…
- 27th in passing yards allowed
- 27th highest QB completion percentage
- 9th most passing 1st Downs allowed
- 7th highest 3rd Down conversion % allowed
- 6th most pass TDs allowed per game
But you can bet with the best football software that improvement of the above stats will greatly amplify the stats below, bringing a huge impact on Miami’s success in 2023.
- 15th least sacks generated
- 17th least in pressure %
- 18th least knockdown %
Take the above 2022 stats and add the context of these 2022 stats: 3rd highest blitz percentage and 7th highest hurry percentage.
Let’s wrap it all up in a tight and wonderful package!
Miami struggled to cover last season and despite blitzing like a mad man on methamphetamine they had substandard production in sacks, pressure, and knockdowns. But it’s their Hurry % that’s the key to the big improvement! Fangio’s mix match coverages and Ramsey’s talent as a pass defender will boost the base coverage allow less blitzing and putting more defenders in coverage. This will slow down the quarterback’s ability read, make cheap throws in hot routes, slow down the time to deliver the football allowing the rushers to hit home in sacks rather than just creating pressure.
Yes, the Dolphins 2022 Hurry percentage was amplified by bringing all the extra rushers. But consider the Colts (just one of many examples) who had equal Hurry % and blitzed far less than Miami did. The Patriots are prime example as they Hurried 1st in the league were 4th in sacks, while blitzing 19th least.
Consider all of this in relation to Jaelen Phillips, who had 11 hurries and 16 knockdowns!
A quarter or half beat more and this ton of hurries and knockdowns by Phillips would have become sacks. I expect Phillips sacks totals to balloon by 50% or more this season! And Phillips isn’t the only one who will see a rise in their pass rush production. Most notable of Phins players to see a jump in the pressure and sack production is high priced Brandon Chubb. I don’t see him surging in production like Phillips, but I do see a real rise coming for the kid.
All of this coming together is damn good for the Dolphins chances to succeed in 2023!
So, since defense wins playoff games and championships, I’m really liking the chances that this time the hype has a real chance to be legit! Go Phins!!!
