“Keep trying to win”: Dolphins front seven determined for NFL’s top – Miami Dolphins Blog

MIAMI — It’s simple to imagine training camp at this stage. Miami DolphinsThe offseason program. Their offense is installing a new system. No one has worn shoulder pads during any organized team activities, or mandatory minicamp.

Players in the trenches haven’t found this to be a problem, especially with a front seven that seems determined not to lose its title as one the NFL’s most elite. Players claim that the competition has been intense without pads and they expect it will continue to be so when everyone is fully gear up next month.

“That’s the only thing I can tell about this group, I think it is a little different right at the moment,” offensive lineman Robert Hunt said. “The guys don’t have pads and it is obvious that they are not wearing them. The guys are flying off the ball.

In hopes of winning, the Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as head coach and signed seven more players. reviving a unit The team was 25th in NFL rankings last season. But defense is still the undisputed strength of the team. When Miami went 8-1 last season and it was 9-2, the unit led the league with defensive expected points. The plan for defense this offseason was clear: Run it back.

Miami signed a $65.4 million, four-year contract with the defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah Just minutes before free agency It resigned all its inside linebackers and drafted a Georgia linebacker. Channing Tindall In the third round Signed three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Melvin Ingram III.

Ingram was not able to practice with the team during mandatory minicamp, but he was there on the sidelines. Ingram joins the pass-rushing rotation with Ogbah who led the team with 9.0 tackles the previous two seasons. Andrew Van Ginkel Jaelan Phillips — The No. The No. 18 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft who set a Dolphins rookie record last season with 8.5 sacks.

Phillips is a “definitely has a chance of being special,” Ingram stated. He shows up to work every day, and he works hard. It is something that I admire.

Miami’s defense was among the most aggressive in the NFL. It blitzed on 38% of its opponents’ dropbacks last season — the second highest rate in the league. Its propensity to blitzing is why it covered man on 49.5% (the 12th highest) of its defensive snaps in 2021.

Dolphins’ aggressiveness up front forces quarterbacks into quick decisions. This allows cornerbacks to playmaking defensive backs. Xavien Howard (15 interceptions during the past two seasons), and second-year safety Jevon Holland (13) Starts, 69 tackles; 2 interceptions; 10 passes defended). There are many opportunities to play on the ball.

McDaniel’s first season was filled with high-level turnover, so it was important to keep the defense strong. The decision was well received by the defensive players who wanted stability.

“I am certain happy. “Just me, I had different coaches,” linebacker Jerome Baker said. “Different linebacker coordinators, different coordinators going back all the way to college. To me: [stability is] It’s a good thing. You already know what you can expect. Before you enter the building, you have some understanding. It’s now time to expand on that understanding.

Defensive linemen are also returning to Miami’s front 7. Christian Wilkins (First-round Pick in 2019) Zach Sieler Raekwon Davis (second round, 2020) who combined to form one the league’s best interior defensive lines.

Last season, Wilkins had 89 tackles which tied for the league’s lead. Sieler also posted the fourth best pass rush win rate as an interior defense defender (16.0%), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Wilkins (44.0%) & Sieler (42.0%) posted the highest run stop win rates, respectively.

Although Davis’ impact on Miami’s defense line is difficult to quantify statistically at 6’7 and 330 lbs, it is undeniable. He occupies space and blocks, which is why it is hard to quantify his stats. He stated that the unit’s chemistry has prevented it from becoming complacent in 2022.

He said, “Just keep pushing each others.” “Keep fighting for every win, and you’ll be better together.