Dolphins 2022 grades: Assessing a defense that faced injuries, special teams that struggled
Ahead of the 2022 season, the Dolphins retained the core of their defense — as well as coordinator Josh Boyer — in anticipation of building a dominant unit. Instead, the unit dealt with injuries to key starters and had to adjust midseason. Meanwhile, Miami’s special teams unit continued to face similar struggles from the previous season.
In the second of a two-part series, the Miami Herald will give out grades to each Dolphins position group for the 2022 NFL season. First was the offense, and second is the defense and special teams.
Defensive line | A-
Before a season-ending triceps injury in Week 10, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah failed to recapture his form from the 2020 and 2021 seasons when he led the Dolphins in sacks. His injury, as well as a season-ending injury to outside linebacker Trey Flowers, led to a drastic increase in snaps for Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler. The two routinely played upwards of 80 percent of the defensive snaps but their production did not decline despite the high workloads. Wilkins again led all linemen in tackles (career-high 98) and ranked first among defensive tackles in ESPN’s run stop win rate metric. Sieler also had his best season to date, registering career highs for tackles (70) and sacks (3.5). The two anchored a defensive front that was among the best in stopping the run.
Inside linebackers | B-
The Dolphins kept their rotation intact in 2022, using Jerome Baker as an every-down player and substituting Elandon Roberts and Duke Riley for run and pass situations, respectively. Each filled their role but Miami still lacks an impact player at the position. Channing Tindall failed to crack the rotation as a rookie, only playing nine defensive snaps.
Outside linebackers | B
Jaelan Phillips was one of the most improved players in the NFL in 2022. Though he didn’t top his rookie year sack total, he became a more dominant pass rusher and a trusted run defender, which was a weakness in 2021. Phillips finished tied for fourth among edge defenders in ESPN’s pass rush win rate, defined as how often a player can beat their blocker within 2.5 seconds.
In November, the Dolphins made a blockbuster deal to get Bradley Chubb from the Denver Broncos. In nine games, including the wild-card round loss to the Buffalo, Chubb recorded 3.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits. He was limited by injuries in the final two games but general manager Chris Grier on Monday said many of the key metrics the team values were boosted after his arrival.
Melvin Ingram III had a strong start to the year, winning Defensive Player of the Month honors for September, but his snaps and production dipped as the season progressed. Andrew Van Ginkel’s snaps were cut by more than half as he shifted into more of a rotational role.
Cornerbacks | C+
The Dolphins never got to see the cornerback room that they hoped to build their defense around. Byron Jones never returned to the field after offseason surgery on his leg. Trill Williams tore his ACL in the first preseason game. Veteran addition Mackensie Alexander lasted one week in Miami before sustaining an injury that led to his release. And Nik Needham tore his Achilles in Week 6.
Xavien Howard was named to the Pro Bowl but acknowledged he had a season that wasn’t to his standards. A groin injury limited him earlier in the year but he declined to use it as an excuse. Howard set career-worst marks for yards allowed and yards per completion, according to Pro Football Reference.
Kader Kohou was a godsend for Miami’s defense as an undrafted rookie. He started 16 games, including the playoffs, and ended up as one of the team’s most reliable players with his tight coverage and physicality. Kohou was the most-targeted cornerback in the NFL but held up well, ranking top 10 in pass breakups.
With Needham sidelined, Miami failed to find a consistent third corner, using Keion Crossen, Noah Igbinoghene and Justin Bethel at different points.
Safeties | B-
Jevon Holland continued to establish himself as one of the league’s up-and-coming safeties, leading the team in interceptions (2) and ranking fourth in tackles (96). But he had to go much of the season without his running mate Brandon Jones, who tore his ACL in Week 7. The Dolphins missed Jones’ ability to blitz and never found a clear replacement. Eric Rowe filled in as a starter close to the line of scrimmage and Boyer used Verone McKinley III and Elijah Campbell in situational-based packages.
Specialists | C-
After producing two All-Pro selections in 2020 — kicker Jason Sanders and return specialist Jakeem Grant — Miami’s special teams unit regressed over the last two seasons. After ranking sixth in Football Outsiders’ special teams efficiency rankings in 2020, the Dolphins dropped to 29th in 2021 and 28th in 2022.
The team struggled in the return game — Miami ranked 30th in punt return average (5.8 yards) and 31st in kick return average (18.9) — and neglected to use wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in a consistent role despite their return experience. The Dolphins also allowed 27.8 yards per kick return, the most in the NFL.
Punter Thomas Morstead played well in his first season in Miami, dropping 28 punts inside the 20-yard line, the second-most in his career. Sanders improved from 2021 but again struggled with long-distance kicks, making two of six attempts from 50 or more yards.
This story was originally published January 19, 2023 at 9:15 AM.
