Jordyn Brooks Aims for Dolphins’ Single-Season Tackle Record
Jordyn Brooks is making waves as a pivotal figure in the Miami Dolphins’ defense this season. While the Dolphins’ defensive unit may not top the NFL charts, Brooks has certainly established himself as a standout performer.
Brooks Leads the League in Tackles
The Dolphins linebacker currently leads the NFL with an impressive 125 tackles, outpacing second-place Bobby Wagner by a notable 18 tackles. This statistic, while impressive, invites a discussion about its implications. Typically, a high tackle count can signal a defense that struggles to contain ball carriers before they break into the open field. However, setting aside that perspective, Brooks’ individual performance is nothing short of remarkable and positions him for a significant place in the Dolphins’ history.
Chasing the Franchise Record
The Dolphins’ all-time single-season tackle record is a prestigious benchmark. That title belongs to Steve Towle, who amassed 217 tackles in 1976. Following closely are Hall of Famer Zach Thomas, who occupies eight of the next ten spots, including his peak of 195 tackles during the 2002 season.
Although Brooks may not surpass Towle’s record, he has a legitimate shot at overtaking Thomas for second place. Currently averaging just over 11 tackles per game, Brooks is on track to accumulate approximately 66 more tackles over the remaining six games of the season. If he maintains this pace, he would finish the season with around 191 to 193 tackles, landing comfortably in third place—surpassing Thomas’ 184 tackles from the 2003 season.
A Connection to Zach Thomas
The bond between Brooks and Thomas is noteworthy, particularly as both hail from Texas Tech. Brooks shared insights about their relationship, emphasizing the value he places on Thomas’ mentorship. “I actually had a great conversation with [Thomas] over the offseason,” Brooks remarked. “He gave me some great advice. We talked about a lot. I appreciate his advice. We keep in touch here and there. He’s been a guy that I’ve looked up to since I stepped day one at Texas Tech, and then obviously coming here.”
Historic Performance and Recognition
Brooks’ standout performance was highlighted during the Dolphins’ narrow 16-13 victory against the Washington Commanders, where he recorded an astonishing 20 tackles. This marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time a Dolphins player had achieved that tally since Thomas in 2006. For his efforts, Brooks received the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the second time this season.
The Bigger Picture
While tackles alone do not always reflect the overall impact of a linebacker, Brooks’ ability to excel even amidst challenges speaks volumes about his skill set. He has become adept at compensating for a run defense that has struggled at times. Over the recent weeks, the unit has shown improvement, yet Brooks continues to shine as a crucial component in the middle of the field.
Regardless of whether he surpasses Thomas in the record books, one thing is clear: the Dolphins have secured a promising inside linebacker capable of leading a developing defense. It has been a considerable time since the team has boasted such a strong presence in the middle, underscoring Brooks’ invaluable contribution to the franchise.
