After a back-to-earth defeat at the hands of Tennessee Titans, the Miami Dolphins have decided to add some more firepower to their defensive line.
Ever since losing third year pro and former first round pick, Jaelan Phillips, to injury for the rest of the season, the Dolphins have been shortchanged on the exterior defensive line opposite Pro Bowler and former 5th overall pick in 2018, Bradley Chubb, whom the Dolphins traded for in 2022.
And now it seems like Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier are finally addressing this absence with a free agent pickup of their own, per Ian Rapoport.
Source: FA pass-rusher Melvin Ingram is signing with the #Dolphins. Some potential help off the edge.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2023
What Does This Mean For The Miami Dolphins Defense?
Unsurprisingly and deservedly, the Miami Dolphins offense has garnered most of the attention and praise: they rank first in both yards and points scored this season.
Yet, whilst the Dolphins’ Vic Fangio defense has not quite lived up to Fangio’s legendary status, the Dolphins still rank as a top 10 team in yards allowed and 11th in team defensive DVOA. So this is by no means a bad defense that is anchoring down what is otherwise a high flying offense.
The addition of Ingram is one that probably looks more exciting on paper than in reality. Whilst Ingram has had an impressive career with the Chargers, at age 34 he is not the player he once was. Although it is worth noting that he did have 6 sacks for the Dolphins in 2022 – very adequate production for a replacement starting outside linebacker.
Hopefully the Dolphins can bounce back from their last minute defeat at home to the Titans on Monday night: this week they host the New York Jets, high off of a blowout win against the Houston Texans. The Dolphins are 8.5 point favorites.
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