‘Chomping at the bit.’ Dolphins defensive coordinator expresses faith in corners
Prior to signing his big extension, Zach Sieler was shown highlights from his first season.
It likely was humbling for the Miami Dolphins defensive tackle, a way to show not just him but the entire team the power of hard work. Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver believes the cornerbacks should take heed.
“This is a credit to this guy just being relentless and putting in work in and never not believing in themselves which is the exact same thing as our corners should feel like,” Weaver said Tuesday. “They should always believe in themselves in their ability.”
It’s no secret that the world believes the Dolphins have a bit of a hole at outside cornerback. And despite a game-clinching interception by rookie corner Ethan Robinson to beat the Detroit Lions 24-17, the position — outside of likely starter Storm Duck — has yet to be addressed. Weaver, however, appears to like what he has seen.
“We have a bunch of guys who are chomping at the bit to both make this team and then go out there and show what they’re made of,” Weaver said, later adding that “we have the utmost confidence in those guys to go out there and do their jobs because we see it repeatedly through daily action.”
This comes less than 24 hours after Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel vigorously defended the unit on Monday.
“I think that’s probably why there’s a disconnect, because we’re all evaluating people off of days, weeks, of very, very focused intentional instruction and evaluation from that,” McDaniel said, stressing “the challenge is not to find the names that make us feel most comfortable on the front end, it’s trying to be real and find the best players.”
“With the Miami Dolphins, our opinions come from the field and how people are producing,” McDaniel continued. “When there are other people that are better served for this organization to do those jobs and we have the ability to target those players, we always do that. Really offseason and training camp is where players define themselves, both good and bad.”
What gives Weaver even more faith is the presence of an elite pass rush that just got a bit better with the recent signing of four-time Pro Bowler Matthew Judon. The second-year defensive coordinator ultimately believes an excellent pass rush can help alleviate the lack of experience on the back end.
“They also have to understand they’re not alone,” Weaver continued. He then referenced the 2011 Super Bowl-winning New York Giants, which featured a trio of elite pass rushers including Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora. “We got guys up front who are going to do work. They’re going to create problems with the quarterbacks that’s going to make it hard to get balls to thosee receivers.”
Weaver then listed who has stood out.
Storm Duck?
“I think he has been consitent throughout camp.”
Ethan Bonner?
“Hate to see that he got hurt. He’ll be back but you saw how he’s been playing.”
Cam Smith?
“I think you saw some physicality, particularly the play he made on third-and-1 on the stop” against the Lions.
Jack Jones?
“Jack to me is a juice guy. He’s the guy that feeds and plays well off of energy. So when he makes the play, your defense is going to feed off that. The opponents are going to here it. The one thing I love about Jack is some of the things we’re asking him to do are kind of foreign to him or really just aren’t in his wheelhouse.”
Jason Marshall Jr.?
“Bigger-body corner. You look at him sometimes you think ‘Oh man, this guy could be a linebacker, but he has the movement skills of a DB. I think Jason’s skill set gives you an opportunity not only to play him outside but inside as well.”
As much as the Dolphins continue to face external criticism for what they’ve done — or refused to do — at corner, the decision-makers clearly feel confident about this group. Only time will tell if they’ll be right.
“So much about that position is confidence and it’s important for them to have short memories and just go out there and apply their technique and fundamentals,” Weaver said. “I love that group. I love the way that group is competing, the way they’re coming together and they’re operating as a whole.”
This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 10:59 AM.
