Dolphins’ Defensive Woes Without Calais Campbell
The Miami Dolphins are grappling with a notable absence this season—Calais Campbell. The veteran defensive tackle, who had been a cornerstone of the team’s defense, signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Since his departure, the Dolphins’ defensive line has struggled to maintain the same level of effectiveness, raising concerns about their overall performance.
Struggles in the Defensive Line
The Dolphins are enduring what can only be described as growing pains in their defensive tackle rotation. This year’s lineup features a mix of youth, including two rookies, alongside Zach Sieler. Last season, Campbell was a dominant force, amassing 12 tackles for loss and five sacks in his 17th NFL season. The current squad, however, has faltered significantly; through the first six weeks of the season, Miami possesses the worst run defense in the league, allowing an alarming average of 168.5 rushing yards per game. In their last three games alone, that figure has ballooned to 192 yards.
This represents a stark contrast to last year’s performance, where the Dolphins boasted a top-10 defense against the run, conceding just 104 yards per game. The current defensive struggles have left fans and analysts alike questioning the impact of Campbell’s exit.
Head Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Mike McDaniel has refrained from placing the blame solely on Campbell’s departure. He acknowledged Campbell’s contributions but emphasized that every team is unique and must find its own identity. “Each team is unique to their own way,” he remarked. “I have a lot of positive things to say about him, but to just say that things are this or that… he’s a good player, and I liked having him on our team.”
Despite the void left by Campbell, Miami’s defense has been unable to stem the tide. Opposing running backs are averaging an unsettling 5.6 yards per carry against them, leading to a league-high nine rushes of 20 yards or more.
A Focus on Development
Instead of seeking immediate external solutions, the Dolphins are choosing to remain patient with their current roster. McDaniel urged that the team must be cautious in their assessments, suggesting that early-season struggles should not define a player’s potential. “What you’re doing is you’re taking a snapshot of what that was,” he explained. “Are there things that they are unable to do through coaching, and then you match that versus what’s available to you.”
Sieler has played a significant role, logging 78 percent of defensive snaps but has only managed two tackles for loss and no sacks this season, a sharp decline from his previous two seasons where he averaged double-digit tackles for loss. Following him are the rookies, first-round pick Kenneth Grant and fifth-round pick Jordan Phillips, who have had limited impacts thus far.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins’ offseason changes have not been limited to the defensive line. A total of 14 players who made significant contributions last season are no longer with the team. This reshuffling includes a completely new secondary and changes along the offensive line, which adds further complexity to their current struggles.
As the Dolphins navigate the challenges of the season, the impact of Campbell’s absence remains a topic of discussion. With the team’s defensive identity in flux, the focus will be on how they adapt and develop in the weeks to come.
