Dolphins Seek to Revitalize Pass Rush Against Patriots After Colts’ Strategy Limits Defensive Impact
The Miami Dolphins find themselves at a crossroads as they look to rejuvenate their pass rush following a lackluster performance against the Indianapolis Colts. With the New England Patriots on the horizon, the Dolphins must address their defensive struggles and find ways to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
A Disappointing Performance Against the Colts
In Week 1, the Dolphins’ pass rush fell flat, managing only one sack and eight pressures throughout the game. Bradley Chubb accounted for the lone sack, while the rest of the edge rushers—Chop Robinson, Jaelan Phillips, and Matthew Judon—combined for a mere three pressures, all credited to Phillips. The performance was not what the Dolphins had hoped for as they aimed to establish a dominant defensive front this season.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver attributed the lack of production to the Colts’ strategic game plan, which effectively neutralized Miami’s pass rush. “All credit goes to the Colts,” Weaver remarked. “They did a great job of keeping us out of predictive passing situations, which obviously slows the rush. When we had opportunities, we faced self-inflicted wounds.”
Self-Inflicted Wounds and Missed Opportunities
Weaver’s observations highlight the impact of penalties and missed chances that hampered the Dolphins’ defensive efforts. Critical infractions included an offside call on Robinson during a pivotal first-and-10 play and a holding penalty on Jack Jones during a first-and-30 situation. Such penalties not only extended drives for the Colts but also placed the Dolphins in unfavorable positions, making it difficult for them to unleash their full pass-rushing potential.
In addition to these setbacks, the Colts excelled at avoiding third-and-long scenarios. Out of their 15 third-down attempts, only five required more than five yards for a first down, with one occurring during garbage time. This efficiency on early downs—coupled with a 61.5% success rate for the Colts—put the Dolphins’ pass rush at a significant disadvantage. Quarterback Daniel Jones was able to operate effectively, registering an EPA (Expected Points Added) of 0.41 per dropback.
Adjustments Through Increased Blitzing
In response to the Colts’ success, Weaver opted to ramp up the blitzing scheme, resulting in the Dolphins employing their second-highest blitz percentage under his direction. Ironically, the highest blitz rate came during a previous matchup against the Colts in 2024. Despite the increased aggression, the blitzes were often executed in short-yardage situations, complicating matters further for Miami’s defense.
This tactic was evident during a specific play that was analyzed in the team’s film review. The Dolphins attempted to utilize slot cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu, but the coverage responsibilities placed on him proved too demanding during a crucial fourth-and-2 scenario.
As the Dolphins prepare for their upcoming clash with the Patriots, the need for improvement in their pass rush has never been more pressing. The team must find ways to rectify the issues that plagued them against the Colts and unleash their defensive talents to create a more formidable presence on the field.
