Dolphins’ newest linebacker named AFC Defender of the Week
Tyrel Dodson has sparingly played for the Miami Dolphins defense since being acquired at midseason, but he made a major impact in the few instances he’s been on the field.
In Sunday’s 20-3 win against the Cleveland Browns the fifth-year veteran Miami acquired after the Seattle Seahawks waived the team’s then leading tackler contributed 15 tackles and an interception as Anthony Walker Jr.’s replacement as Miami’s starting inside linebacker.
Sunday’s performance was the best of Dodson’s NFL career, and it earned him his first AFC Defensive Player of the Week honor. His 15 tackles were the most by any defender in Week 17 and the most by a Dolphins player since Jerome Baker had 16 against New England in Week 1 of the 2020 season.
The recognition was Miami’s fourth Player of the Week award this season. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week against New England in Week 12, defensive tackle Zach Sieler notching AFC Defensive Player of the Week against the New York Jets in Week 14, and kicker Jason Sanders winning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week against San Francisco in Week 17.
Dodson became the seventh player in Dolphins history to record 15 tackles in a game since tackles became officially tracked in 1994. He is also the first Dolphin since at least 1994 to record 15 tackles and an interception in a single game, and one of two players to do so this season, joining Atlanta’s Troy Andersen.
The interception was the second of his career because he recorded one in Week 12, in the Dolphins victory over New England, which happened to be another game he was replacing Walker as a starter.
He’s presently tied with two others — cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Kader Kohou — for the team lead in interceptions.
Because Walker is sidelined by a knee injury that has him listed as day-to-day it’s possible that Dodson, who has recorded 103 tackles (56 solo), two sacks, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, four passes defensed and one forced fumble this season while playing for Miami and Seattle, might be called on to start his third game for Miami in Sunday’s regular season finale against the New York Jets.
The 26-year-old is an impending free agent who is playing the final game of a one-year deal worth $4.26 million, which means Dodson’s performance could influence his future contract, and whether he returns to Miami.
