One of the biggest catalysts for success for the Miami Dolphins’ defense in recent weeks has been their ability to dial up pressure and put the heat on the opposition. With Miami enjoying the fruits of a busy offseason that brought plenty of extra talent to Brian Flores’ defense this season, the Dolphins have been not just successful hunting the football and creating turnovers — they’re also one of the most aggressive defenses in football.
According to Matt Bowen of ESPN’s NFL Matchup, only the Kansas City Chiefs bring more pressure without any deep help in the secondary this season. And the Dolphins bring an added rusher regardless of the deep shell of the defense on more than one out of every three snaps.
Their blitz rate of 36.2% is the fifth highest figure in the league.
One more on the defensive side of the ball…
Highest blitz rate — 5 or more rushers (zone/man pressure)
1. #Bucs — 43.8%
2. #Steelers — 43.3%
3. #Cardinals — 37.2%
4. #Ravens — 36.5%
5. #Dolphins — 36.2%— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) November 12, 2020
There’s a fairly notable correlation between the blitz rate of these defenses and points allowed to opponents thus far this season, which puts the Dolphins in some terrific company.
- Buccaneers: 9th in NFL in ppg allowed (22.6)
- Steelers: T-4th in the NFL in ppg allowed (20.1)
- Cardinals: 8th in the NFL in ppg allowed (22.5)
- Ravens: 1st in the NFL in ppg allowed (17.8)
- Dolphins: T-4th in the NFL in ppg allowed (20.1)
Pair that with the rankings of each of these teams in takeaways thus far this season and it is clear that if you have the coverage pieces on the back end to cover for added pressure, then bringing the heat is a first-class ticket to success this season in the NFL.
- Buccaneers: 1st in NFL in takeaways (16)
- Steelers: T-2nd in NFL in takeaways (15)
- Cardinals: T-14th in the NFL in ppg allowed (10)
- Ravens: T-5th in NFL in takeaways (14)
- Dolphins: T-5th in NFL in takeaways (14)
Miami appears to have the right formula in place to continue their defensive success for the remainder of 2020; especially when you consider they still need to face offenses ranked 32nd (Jets, 13.4 ppg), 28th (Patriots, 20.8 ppg), 27th (Broncos, 21.8 ppg), and 20th (Bengals, 24.2 ppg) yet this season.