The Miami Dolphins have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL. Despite blitzing the 6th fewest in the league, they are ranked 13th in hurries, 1st in quarterback knockdowns, 1st in pressures, and 3rd in sacks.
Unfortunately, their top two EDGE rushers are out for the season, and their pass rush will be tested.
The Miami Dolphins’ top two EDGE rushers are out for the season
Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb are out for the season.
Jaelan Phillips suffered a torn Achilles in Week 12 against the New York Jets. Phillips had 43 tackles, seven for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, 6.5 sacks, one interception, two pass deflections, and 17 pressures in eight games.
Bradley Chubb suffered a torn ACL in the 4th quarter of their Week 17 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Chubb had 74 tackles, 11 for a loss, 22 quarterback hits, 11 sacks, two pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and 31 pressures in 16 games.
There are three EDGE rushers that Miami will have to rely on.
EDGE Rusher number one
The first pass rusher that the defense will have to rely on is Andrew Van Ginkel. He has 249 tackles, 31 for a loss, 56 quarterback hits, and 17 sacks in his career.
Van Ginkel has 68 tackles, eight for a loss, 18 quarterback hits, and six sacks in 16 games. He has started the last five games in the absence of Phillips.
EDGE Rusher number two
The second pass rusher that the defense will have to rely on is Melvin Ingram. The 3x Pro Bowler has 409 tackles, 81 for a loss, 129 quarterback hits, and 57 sacks in his 12-year career.
Miami signed Ingram to their practice squad on December 14 and has been elevated in their last two games. Ingram will likely be promoted to the active roster shortly and could be in line to start for the injured Chubb.
EDGE Rusher number three
The third pass rusher that the defense will have to rely on is Cameron Goode. Miami drafted Goode in the 7th round, 224th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Goode was released during roster cuts and signed to their practice squad during his rookie season.
Miami signed him to a reserve/future contract after the 2022 season. He was released during roster cuts and signed to their practice squad. Miami promoted him to the active roster on September 30.
Goode has appeared in every game, recording four tackles, one quarterback hit, and two pressures.
Goode is another pass rusher who could be in line to start. If not, he will be part of the rotation.
Will Miami make a deep playoff run?
The 11-5 Miami Dolphins play the 10-6 Buffalo Bills in their season-finale on Sunday night.
If Miami wins, they will win the AFC East and clinch the 2nd seed in the AFC Playoff Picture.
If Miami loses, they will be the 6th seed and will play on the road in the Wild Card.
Will they be able to beat good teams in the playoffs and make a deep playoff run?
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