Last year, six defensive starters from the opening day for the Dolphins are now either no longer with the team or on the Active/Physically Unable to Play list, including linebackers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. The remaining players are adapting to a new defensive strategy implemented by Weaver, a hybrid 3-4 defense that employs a zone approach and offers players considerable freedom to blitz from various positions.
Among those familiar with Weaver’s techniques is defensive lineman Calais Campbell, who previously worked with Weaver in Baltimore during 2021 and 2022, and new safety Jordan Poyer, whose professional path crossed with Weaver’s in Cleveland during the 2014-2015 seasons.
Calais Campbell, a seasoned player and six-time Pro Bowl selectee, praised Weaver’s defensive strategy for its complexity and unpredictability. He highlighted its use of intensive blitzes and stunts that challenge opposing offensive coordinators. Campbell, at 37 years old, hopes to leverage his extensive experience, including 105.5 career sacks, to bolster the Dolphins’ defense in the absence of Christian Wilkins, who recently left for Las Vegas.
The team will also miss the contributions of outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who has moved to the Vikings under a lucrative contract. Under Weaver’s leadership last season, the Ravens were formidable, leading the NFL with 60 sacks and allowing the fewest points per game. They also handed the Dolphins their most significant defeat of the season, a strategy that included repeated successful sacks against Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Campbell elaborated on Weaver’s defensive philosophy, which cleverly disguises blitzes to confuse offenses, sometimes simulating high-pressure situations while deploying only four rushers. This approach has nearly resulted in interceptions and has effectively used players in versatile roles.
Fullback Alec Ingold commented on the intense and cohesive performances he has observed on the defensive side, singling out Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey as a notable player for his dynamic role in the defense.
Weaver, who has personal NFL playing experience and is well-respected as a “player’s coach,” emphasizes a realistic and developmental approach to coaching, according to veteran linebacker Anthony Walker. His experience as a player lends him a comprehensive understanding of the player’s challenges, balancing his authority as coach with empathy and support for his team’s learning and improvement in the new defensive scheme.