Sean Duggan: Chop Robinson Gives Dolphins Defense Needed Boost

Sean Duggan: Chop Robinson Gives Dolphins Defense Needed Boost

The Miami Dolphins defense knows it has work to do heading into its matchup with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, but the potential return of Chop Robinson could provide a significant boost.

Dolphins defensive coordinator Sean Duggan spoke with reporters this week about Robinson’s return to practice, Miami’s communication issues against San Francisco, an improving run defense, Michael Taaffe‘s physical play, and the challenge of containing Mahomes.

For a Dolphins pass rush that hasn’t consistently affected opposing quarterbacks through the first two games, getting Robinson back would be welcomed.

“Chop’s a really good player,” Duggan said. “I think anytime you get good players out on the grass you’re happy as a coach.”

Robinson has been practicing, and Duggan said his presence is already noticeable.

“His energy brings, his speed, his quickness off the ball, you can definitely feel it,” Duggan said. “It’s fun to see him back out there.”

Dolphins Must Improve Defensive Communication

While Robinson could help Miami generate more pressure, Duggan made it clear that fixing the defense goes well beyond one player.

Head coach Jeff Hafley expressed disappointment with Miami’s communication following the loss to San Francisco, and Duggan said both players and coaches have taken responsibility.

The coaching staff’s first response was to examine whether it could simplify or better communicate certain assignments.

“How could we have taught it better?” Duggan said. “Was it not as black and white as we want it to be?”

Duggan wants communication constantly reinforced in meetings and practice. Players should be making calls while watching film and communicating loudly on the practice field so those decisions become instinctive on Sundays.

The consequences of poor communication can be significant.

“If guys aren’t on the same page, that’s how explosive plays happen,” Duggan said.

That’s particularly concerning with Mahomes coming to town.

Defending Mahomes Requires Winning the “Second Play”

Duggan’s message to Miami’s young defensive backs this week is that defending Kansas City often requires covering twice on the same snap.

Mahomes’ ability to extend plays forces defenders to remain disciplined after the initial route has developed.

“There’s always a second play,” Duggan said.

Whether Miami is playing man or zone coverage, defenders can’t relax once Mahomes leaves the pocket. Duggan stressed effort and eye discipline, with defensive backs needing to locate receivers and stay attached when the play goes off schedule.

“He can buy time as good as anyone in the NFL,” Duggan said.

That challenge becomes even greater because of Mahomes’ chemistry with Travis Kelce.

Duggan noted that Kelce can win on the initial route, but his connection with Mahomes becomes particularly dangerous once the original play breaks down. Rashee Rice presents a different challenge with his physicality, ability to create separation and speed from the slot.

Miami’s Run Defense Took a Step Forward

One encouraging development from the San Francisco game was Miami’s run defense.

After struggling against the Raiders in Week 1, Duggan thought the Dolphins were noticeably better in Week 2.

“We challenged the guys after Week 1 because it wasn’t good enough in Las Vegas and we took a step,” Duggan said.

Duggan praised the defensive line, linebackers and secondary for getting involved against the run. Miami’s philosophy requires all 11 defenders to pursue the football and tackle physically.

There is still room for improvement, but Duggan was encouraged by the response.

“I was pleased that we took a step in the run game,” he said.

Michael Taaffe Continues to Flash

Michael Taaffe stood out against San Francisco.

Duggan praised Taaffe’s feel for the defense and his ability to recognize when he needs to attack downhill from the third level.

“He’s done a really nice job,” Duggan said.

But Taaffe’s impact isn’t simply about recognition. Duggan stressed that defensive backs have to embrace the physical side of playing in this defense.

“There has to be a desire to play physical and knock the opposing ball carrier backwards,” Duggan said.

That mentality will continue to be important as Miami encounters talented running backs throughout the season.

Pass Rush Must Work as One

Duggan also addressed Miami’s need for more production from its pass rush.

Rather than placing the responsibility solely on the defensive tackles or edge rushers, Duggan views rushing the quarterback as an 11-man responsibility influenced by the defensive call.

“I think everyone’s involved in that,” Duggan said.

Whether Miami rushes three, four, five or six defenders, Duggan wants the unit attacking protections together and understanding how each player’s assignment impacts the others.

“I really do view it as whatever the call dictates, we all have to do better rushing as one and affecting the quarterback,” Duggan said.

That philosophy becomes particularly important against mobile quarterbacks.

Duggan explained that twists and stunts can create pressure, but they can also create large scrambling lanes if they aren’t executed properly. Miami experienced some of that against Brock Purdy, who hurt the Dolphins with his legs.

Against Mahomes, losing rush-lane integrity could be even more costly.

Young Dolphins Defense Still Growing

Duggan also discussed young defensive backs Chris Johnson and Jason Marshall Jr., saying both have had moments when they’ve played well and others where execution needs to improve.

“They’re both young players who are still learning and growing,” Duggan said.

That description could apply to much of Miami’s defense right now.

There were encouraging signs against San Francisco, particularly against the run, but communication and execution remain works in progress.

Now comes an entirely different test.

Mahomes’ ability to extend plays, Kelce’s feel for finding openings and Rice’s explosiveness will test Miami’s communication, coverage discipline and pass rush simultaneously.

Getting Robinson back would certainly help.

But Duggan’s message was clear: fixing Miami’s defense isn’t going to come down to one player.

The Dolphins have to communicate better, play faster and, most importantly, work together as one defense.