The Miami Dolphins’ struggling offense has overshadowed three solid defensive performances under first-year coordinator Anthony Weaver. The Dolphins defense has allowed just one second-half touchdown this season and ranks No. 9 allowing only three passing touchdowns through three weeks.
Miami’s run defense ranks No. 12, allowing 112 yards per game, though the coaching staff sees room for improvement in containing the ground game.
“Not good enough,” Weaver said when asked about the containing the run on Friday. ”Ultimately, there’s no fingers to blame; it’s just a collective effort about cleaning it up and making sure we’re setting the edge, making sure we’re building the wall on the inside with our front and our backers and ultimately, making sure we get these backs on the ground.”
Second-year running back Zach Charbonnet averaged 5.1 yards on 18 carries in Seattle’s 24-3 win over Miami last week. Similarly, James Cook gashed the Dolphins for 78 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries during Buffalo’s Week 2 victory. Weaver’s defense has allowed five rushing touchdowns, ranking third-highest in the league.
“The last thing we want to continually allow offenses to do is run the ball, particularly in the end zone – let’s make them throw it in,” Weaver explained. “So right now, when we get down in the red zone, we’re not making that happen. So collectively from a coaching standpoint and from a player standpoint, we got to do better.”