Defensive tackle Zach Sieler remains one of Dolphins' most underrated players

MIAMI GARDENS — There’s just one, succinct line in the Twitter bio of Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler, ‘I tackle gators and quarterbacks,’ followed by the customary #finsup.

Somehow, Sieler, like so many who have watched the Dolphins over the last few years, managed to understate his true impact and meaning to Miami’s roster.

Instead, his bio should read, ‘I tackle gators, quarterbacks and any living thing that comes out of opposing backfields.’ Not as catchy, but it paints a better picture of how important he’s become to the organization’s present and future defensively.

Sieler, 27, has consistently been one of the Dolphins’ most underrated players since joining the organization in 2019 after being waived by the Baltimore Ravens. But after another impressive performance in the season-opening win against the Patriots, people are starting to take notice.

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“I think it’s good, I think he’s one of the top guys in the league, a really smart guy,” linebacker Sam Eguavoen said of Sieler getting recognition. “Comes in early, leaves late. That’s a guy on the team I think everybody respects and looks up to, especially the people in his [position] room. We noticed that in our room when we’re watching film, all the great things he does. He’s really good with his technique and he just plays hard.

“Good team guy and it’s good to see him finally get some individual praise because he deserves it.”

In Miami’s Week 1 win, Sieler played the most snaps (44) of anyone on the defensive line and did so to great success, although it’s not always clear when looking at the game stats.

While he finished with two solo tackles, Sieler did a lot of dirty work plugging gaps and running lanes that helped contain a run-heavy New England offense, stuffing a couple of key runs in the third quarter. He even swatted down a pass from Mac Jones in the red zone.

Signed to a two-year $7.63 million contract extension during the 2020 season, Sieler, was also Pro Football Focus’ second-highest graded defensive tackle against the run in Week 1 with an 86.4. He ranked behind Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, who finished with a 92.5.

Although he’s happy to be getting recognized for his good play, Sieler, a seventh-round pick in the 2019 draft by the Ravens out of Ferris State University, has always been committed to doing whatever the team asks of him, regardless of how many snaps he plays.

“I think the way we’ve always prepared as a d-line is be ready for anything,” Sieler said during training camp. “So just like last year and just like this year, be ready for what is put on your (plate) each week. I’m ready for whatever we plan to do, whatever our game plan is and just be always ready.”

Sieler, in addition to becoming one of the key cogs on the defensive line, has also become one of its leaders. Along with Christian Wilkins, who was a first-round draft pick in 2019, Sieler is the longest tenured Dolphin on the defensive line.

That experience and familiarity with defensive coordinator Josh Boyer’s scheme has allowed him to become helpful to those around him, not only on the field but also in that defensive meeting room.

“We’re all a family on the d-line,” defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah said. “So, Zach is the guy that doesn't really talk much and he’s the smart guy in the room. So, it’s kind of like anybody has a question, we’re like ‘Oh you can ask Zach, Zach’s gonna know for sure.’ That’s what he does, he’s the brains of the group.”

Challenge of trying to stop Lamar Jackson

Up next for Sieler and the rest of the Dolphins’ defense is the ever-unique challenge of taking on the Ravens and former league MVP and Boynton Beach High School standout Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore also runs a run-heavy offense and will give Sieler an opportunity to not only wreak more havoc, this time at his former team’s expense, but also go up against one of the elite competitors in the league in Jackson.

In the quest to stop Jackson, Sieler will once again have to spearhead Miami’s run defense and make things easier for those around him by doing the work nobody notices. But that’s what he’s always done and those who play with him love him for it.

“We know exactly what he’s going to do every time, he never strays away from his job,” Eguaoven said. “He’s never going rogue on a play, he does his job. So, a great defense is when you can trust everybody to do exactly what they’re supposed to do. And he’s one of those guys that does it.”

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins Zach Sieler vs. Baltimore Ravens Lamar Jackson