Dolphins defense ‘not a finished product’ but progressing amid new scheme, Ramsey injury

For a Dolphins defense that entered training camp with the outside noise of being a top unit in the NFL in 2023, the loss of cornerback Jalen Ramsey to a meniscus injury during the second practice could have cast a cloud over the remainder of the summer.

But in the week-plus since the All-Pro and the Dolphins’ top offseason acquisition was sidelined, Miami’s defense has offered encouraging signs as it learns a new scheme under coordinator Vic Fangio. A talented defensive front has frequently caused havoc for the offense. The new inside linebacker duo of Jerome Baker and David Long Jr. has showcased impressive sideline-to-sideline speed. And a secondary that’s facing multiple injuries has seen young contenders flash.

“It doesn’t make you go back to the drawing board and tweak the system at all,” Fangio, speaking before Friday’s practice, said of Ramsey’s injury. “You just might have to use parts of it a little bit more than you had planned to. You just always have to compensate and have a versatile system.”

As the Dolphins prepare to hold a scrimmage at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday and then host the Atlanta Falcons for joint practices before the preseason opener next Friday, the new-look defense has much to sort out, even as its headliners produce standout practices.

“I think we have some good talent at some positions,” Fangio said. “We need to find guys to be able to execute and play good at 11 positions. And we’re working to get that done. So, we’re not a finished product by any means. But I do like where we’re headed.”

Dolphins seeking starters in secondary

With Ramsey likely sidelined until the second half of the regular season, the Dolphins have an open competition for a player to replace him at corner. Xavien Howard is a projected starter and so is Kader Kohou in the slot, but a group of players that includes rookie Cam Smith, Noah Igbinoghene and recent addition Eli Apple are all competing for snaps.

Smith, Miami’s top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has seemingly recorded at least one pass breakup per practice, although he left Friday’s practice early with an undisclosed injury. And Igbinoghene, the No. 30 overall pick in the 2020 Draft, has made his share of plays in a scheme that appears to be a better fit for him after early career struggles.

“Both of them are making progress,” Fangio said. “They’re not where we need them to be just yet. But I think both of them are working hard and giving us good progress. Hopefully by Game 1, one of them — or somebody else — will surface and take that position.”

Elsewhere, Miami is also searching for a starting safety next to third-year player Jevon Holland, and injuries have muddied the outlook. DeShon Elliott has been a full participant in team drills, but defensive backs Brandon Jones and Trill Williams have been limited in practice as they return from ACL tears they sustained last year. Williams has spent his first two NFL seasons as a corner but played safety in college and said he has the versatility to line up in multiple spots.

“We’re still looking for the guy to surface next to Jevon,” he said.

Defensive front stars but depth needed

If there was a short list of the Dolphins’ early training camp standouts, it would be mainly comprised of Miami’s projected defensive front. Outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb have looked like they could be one of the league’s best pass rush duos. Christian Wilkins has been a consistent presence in the backfield, whether it’s as a run stuffer or pass rusher. And fellow linemen Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis haven’t been too far behind, providing several notable plays.

Fangio, however, is still searching for depth, especially after Wilkins and Sieler logged significant snaps in 2022. Among the team’s in-house options include Jalen Twyman, Josiah Bronson, Brandon Pili, Anthony Montalvo and Randy Charlton.

Fangio noted that Emmanuel Ogbah, who previously said he is playing more outside linebacker in the scheme, has also moved inside to compensate for the current lack of depth.

“We’re happy with Zach, Christian and Raekwon,” Fangio said. “We need to find two other guys, three other guys to surface as the fourth, fifth and sixth defensive linemen. And so far, nobody has done that. That’s an area we need to get better at.”

Fangio, though, had high praise for Wilkins, who is set to play the final year of his rookie contract on the fifth-year option.

“Christian was a guy that I really liked the year he came out in the Draft,” Fangio said. “And he’s exceeded my expectations. He works really hard in practice. He grinds. He’s talented. And with his talent and work ethic, he’s one of the top players in the league.”

Part-time ref duties

Players and coaches have lauded the knowledge and experience Fangio, whose coaching career spans over three decades, brings to the team.

But while he implements a new defensive scheme, he’s also moonlighted in another profession. Up until Thursday, the Dolphins held practice without officials. In the sessions before then, Fangio could be seen acting as a ref, throwing flags and motioning for various infractions on the offense and defense.

Fangio jokingly downplayed the act but said it is part of a focus to reduce the team’s penalties after struggles in 2022. Last season, the Dolphins’ 118 accepted penalties, including the wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills, were tied for the most in the NFL.

“This team last year was the worst in the league on offense and defense in penalties,” Fangio said. “So, to correct that, you have to emphasize it. You can’t just hope it happens. So, since we didn’t have referees out there for the first few days, I became the referee.”