January 30, 2025
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The Praise, The Problem, and The Possibilities with the Miami Dolphins’ Inside Linebackers

Introduction

The inside linebacker (ILB) position is one of the most crucial components of a football team’s defense. The Miami Dolphins have had their fair share of ups and downs at this position, showing flashes of dominance while also revealing vulnerabilities that have been exploited by opposing offenses. This article will take an in-depth look at the praise, the problems, and the possibilities surrounding the Dolphins’ inside linebackers.

The Praise: Strengths and Successes

1. High-Level Production from Key Players

The Dolphins’ inside linebacker corps has seen some impressive individual performances in recent seasons. Linebackers like Jerome Baker and David Long Jr. have been instrumental in maintaining defensive stability. Baker, in particular, has been a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defense, demonstrating exceptional athleticism and range.

David Long Jr., brought in to add depth and versatility, has shown he can be an impact player when healthy. His ability to diagnose plays and deliver physical tackles adds an aggressive presence to the defense.

2. Athleticism and Speed

One of the standout features of Miami’s ILB unit is its athleticism. Speed is a key factor in today’s NFL, where offenses are constantly evolving to create mismatches. Miami’s linebackers have the range to cover sideline to sideline, making them effective against outside runs and quick passes to the flats. Their agility allows them to adjust quickly to misdirection plays, limiting big gains.

3. Versatility in Defensive Schemes

The Dolphins’ inside linebackers have the ability to function in multiple defensive looks. Under former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and now Anthony Weaver, Miami has experimented with a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 fronts, requiring linebackers to be adaptable. This versatility is crucial in a league where offenses frequently change personnel and formations.

4. Improved Blitzing Ability

A key improvement in recent seasons has been the ability of the ILBs to generate pressure. Jerome Baker has been used effectively as a blitzer, adding an extra dimension to the Dolphins’ pass rush. His timing and burst when attacking the quarterback have helped Miami disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers.

The Problem: Weaknesses and Challenges

1. Inconsistency in Run Defense

One of the most glaring issues with Miami’s inside linebackers has been inconsistency against the run. While they have moments of brilliance, they have also struggled to maintain gap integrity and shed blocks effectively. Opposing teams have found success running between the tackles, exposing weaknesses in the Dolphins’ interior defense.

2. Durability Concerns

Injuries have been a recurring issue for Miami’s linebacking corps. David Long Jr. has dealt with injury concerns throughout his career, and even Jerome Baker has missed time due to various ailments. The Dolphins need reliability at the ILB position, especially given the physical nature of the role.

3. Pass Coverage Struggles Against Tight Ends

Despite their athleticism, Miami’s inside linebackers have struggled to consistently cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Opponents have frequently targeted the middle of the field, exploiting mismatches against slower or out-of-position linebackers. Elite tight ends like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews have had strong performances against Miami, exposing coverage deficiencies.

4. Lack of Depth

Beyond the starters, Miami lacks proven depth at the inside linebacker position. Injuries or poor performance by the first-team players could significantly impact the defense. The backups have limited starting experience, raising concerns about how well the team could handle an extended absence of a key ILB.

5. Communication and Play Recognition Issues

Inside linebackers serve as the quarterbacks of the defense, making pre-snap adjustments and ensuring everyone is in position. Miami has faced issues with communication breakdowns, leading to blown assignments and big plays for opposing offenses. Improving play recognition and pre-snap adjustments is essential for taking the unit to the next level.

1. Improving Run Defense with Better Gap Discipline

To address the inconsistencies against the run, Miami’s ILBs need to improve their gap discipline. This could involve more rigorous film study, better technique in block shedding, and an emphasis on maintaining assignments rather than over-pursuing plays. Additional coaching emphasis on run fits and tackling fundamentals could lead to a more consistent run-stopping unit.

2. Prioritizing Durability and Depth in Roster Moves

Given the injury history of key players, the Dolphins should consider adding more reliable depth through free agency or the draft. Investing in a durable veteran or a promising young linebacker could provide insurance in case of injuries. The team could also implement a rotation to reduce wear and tear on starters.

3. Enhanced Coverage Skills through Coaching and Scheme Adjustments

To address the struggles in pass coverage, Miami can implement a few key changes:

  • More man-to-man coverage reps in practice against tight ends and running backs.
  • Utilizing safeties to assist in coverage over the middle.
  • Bringing in a coverage specialist linebacker in passing situations.

These adjustments would allow Miami to minimize mismatches and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere.

4. Drafting or Signing a High-Impact Linebacker

If Miami wants to take a significant step forward at the ILB position, acquiring a premier linebacker through the draft or free agency could be a game-changer. A player with elite instincts, tackling ability, and coverage skills could elevate the defense to another level. The 2024 NFL Draft features several promising linebacker prospects, and the Dolphins could target one to solidify the position.

5. Stronger Communication and Leadership Development

Developing a vocal leader at inside linebacker is crucial for Miami’s defensive success. Whether it’s Jerome Baker stepping up further or another player taking on the leadership role, improved communication will lead to better-prepared defensive adjustments. More responsibility can also be placed on the defensive coordinator to ensure clear play-calling and pre-snap organization.

6. Maximizing the Strengths of Current Personnel

Instead of forcing players into roles they struggle with, the Dolphins should focus on maximizing their current linebackers’ strengths. For instance:

  • Using Baker more as a pass rusher where his speed can be an asset.
  • Keeping Long Jr. in positions where he can use his physicality against the run rather than being exposed in coverage.
  • Incorporating more hybrid linebacker-safety alignments to improve flexibility in coverage.