Miami Dolphins' late offseason acquisition proving to have been a bright spot amid a dismal start to season
The 2024 season was one that had many Miami Dolphins fans hopeful that this would be the year that they'd break their nearly quarter century streak of not winning a playoff game. How different things look after three weeks of football. The Dolphins beat perhaps one of the worst teams in the NFL in the […]
The 2024 season was one that had many Miami Dolphins fans hopeful that this would be the year that they'd break their nearly quarter century streak of not winning a playoff game.
How different things look after three weeks of football. The Dolphins beat perhaps one of the worst teams in the NFL in the Jacksonville Jaguars on the final whistle before getting their doors blown off against Buffalo and Seattle. Tua Tagovailoa's absence due to a concussion has ground this team, built to win by outscoring its opponents, to a complete halt.
Questions about roster decisions made during the offseason, particularly on the offensive line and at backup quarterback, have arisen.
However, one area where there's little doubt that general manager Chris Grier made a very wise decision was the signing of DL Calais Campbell.
Campbell, who signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins back in late June, has been one of the bright spots of this young season for the Dolphins' defense. The former Miami Hurricane has been one of the best players on the defense thus far this season.
Through three games, Campbell has totaled a team-high 82.3 defensive grade with a team-best 84.1 pass rushing mark per Pro Football Focus. He has 2 sacks and 6 pressures in 51 pass rushing snaps (11.8% pressure rate).
And if the Dolphins didn't have him this season, they'd be even lower than they are statistically compared to the rest of the league, which is pretty sad to consider. Miami has had the tenth fewest sacks this year with 6. Take out Campbell, and Miami would be tied for third worst in the league. Miami's yards per rush allowed of 4.5 is league average (tied for 17th), which looks downright good compared to several other statistics (bottom ten in league in passes defended and passing yards per attempt allowed).
It hasn't been great for Anthony Weaver's defense this year – to put it in the kindest way possible – but it would be even worse if the Dolphins hadn't secured the services of the 17-year veteran.
For that, Grier deserves a smidge of credit amid a sea of concern with this roster as the first month of the season approaches its end.
