Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Miami Dolphins defense utilizes a 3-4 Hybrid base scheme under defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Miami Dolphins Defense?

It hasn't been great for the Miami Dolphins lately; they're giving up 24.9 points on average. For context, they are trailing the league average by 1.9 points.

In the AFC East, they trail the New England Patriots (#4) and Buffalo Bills (#12) in points allowed per game but place higher than the New York Jets (#31) to round out the division.

This unit lacks a consistent pass rush and struggles to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. They are essentially average in terms of taking the ball away from opponents.

39
Total Sacks
9
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is average (9 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

The unit is anchored by Tyrel Dodson, whose performance as an elite player in 2025 with 129 tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 interception has been instrumental. Complimenting that production, Rasul Douglas has added 62 tackles, 1 sacks, and 2 interceptions this season.

What is the Miami Dolphins defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Anthony Weaver

The Miami Dolphins defense runs a 3-4 Hybrid under coordinator Anthony Weaver.

Base Defensive Front
3-4 Hybrid
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

Anthony Weaver runs a Ravens-style 3-4 hybrid.

Key Principles

HybridVersatilityPhysicality

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Miami Dolphins Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
8.2/g
Turnovers
AVG
1.2/g
Aggression
POOR
4.4/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
8.2
POOR
They disrupt the offense 8.2 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.2
AVG
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.2 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
4.4
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.4 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Miami Dolphins defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
24.9 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Miami Dolphins defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
S
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Safety
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Chop Robinson
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 5
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
JuJu Brents
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 19
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Artie Burns
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJul 24
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Elijah Campbell
Safety
Injured ReserveDec 20
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
Jordan Colbert
Safety
Injured ReserveNov 22
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Storm Duck
Cornerback
Injured ReserveOct 28
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Caleb Johnson
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 12
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Isaiah Johnson
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 27
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Benito Jones
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 27
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Kader Kohou
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 1
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Jason Maitre
Cornerback
Injured ReserveMay 27
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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