Miami Dolphins go to youth movement at safety. Here’s how it’s working out and one drop-off
The Dolphins took another step in their youth movement at safety against Buffalo last Sunday, playing rookie Jevon Holland every defensive snap for a third consecutive game and playing second-year player Brandon Jones a career-high 70 snaps (out of a possible 73).
Holland and Jones, both skilled at blitzing, have brought youth and athleticism and upside to the position.
But the pass coverage numbers against Dolphins safeties have worsened considerably as they have transitioned from veterans to young players.
In 2020, Bobby McCain — now a starter for Washington after being cut by the Dolphins in May — played 89 percent of Miami’s defensive snaps and permitted a sterling 27.5 passer rating in his coverage area, while Eric Rowe played 89 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps and allowed a 76.9 passer rating in his coverage area.
This season, Holland — according to Pro Football Focus — has permitted a bloated 147.9 rating in his coverage area (7 completions in 10 targets for 115 yards and two touchdowns). And Jones has allowed all 10 passes thrown against him to be caught for 137 yards and no touchdowns, a 118.8 rating.
In their defense, that’s not a big sample size of targets in their coverage area, so it’s too soon to make any conclusions about their coverage skills, particularly with Holland, who was excellent in coverage at Oregon.
Meanwhile, Rowe — who is playing just 57 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps, including 22 against Buffalo — is allowing a 116.5 passer rating (25 for 32 for 223 yards and two touchdowns).
But the Dolphins like what they have seen from Holland. PFF ranks him 35th among 86 qualifying safeties; Rowe is 45th and Jones 54th.
“He’s improving,” defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander said of Holland. “Some of the stuff he has done on tape has been encouraging. We still need to continue to improve his skill set. The sky is the limit for that kid. He’s a great worker. He’s diligent. He’s a guy that has a very mature approach about the game.”
Holland, who has a fumble recovery and a sack this season, had several interceptions in training camp but is looking for his first in a game after picking off nine passes in two seasons at Oregon.
What makes Alexander confident he’s a future elite safety?
“That remains to be seen,” Alexander said. “One of the things he does have physically is the gifts to be able to do so. He’s very athletic. He has great ball skills. He is a great communicator. There are some intangibles he does have as far as leadership capabilities and ability to communicate. There are so many other things he possesses.”
Alexander — who recruited Holland when Alexander was an assistant at California — has “personally known the kid for a very long time. I have a huge belief in the kid. He has an infectious personality that people gravitate to. I think he has a very high ceiling.”
With Jones, the Dolphins know he’s fast, a skilled tackler and their most effective blitzing safety. (PFF ranks Jones 14th and Holland 12th, among all NFL safeties, as pass rushers.) Jones has two sacks and five QB hits this season.
But Jones’ coverage numbers haven’t been good in his final year at Texas and first 1½ seasons in the NFL.
“That’s one of the areas we look to continue to improve about his game, his coverage in man to man situations or in general,” Alexander said. “He does a lot of things as far as being disruptive as a tackler, as a blitzer, stuff like that. It’s all about development. It’s his second year.”
Does he have the quickness and skills to improve in pass coverage? “He wouldn’t be in our building if he didn’t have that,” Alexander said.
Jones has been playing more since Jason McCourty was lost for an extended time, potentially for the season, with a foot injury sustained Oct. 24 against Atlanta.
Does Alexander worry that his usage of Rowe and Jones might telegraph the play to the opposing team?
“Not necessarily because Rowe has blitzes on tape,” he said. “I don’t worry about telegraphing.”
Here’s my Tuesday piece on the Dolphins’ young offensive linemen, where they stand, one decision made and two that must be made eventually.
This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 4:44 PM.
