Where do the Dolphins find the Pass Rush?

Where do the Dolphins find the Pass Rush?

For the better part of the 21st century, the Dolphins’ defense has been its calling card.

They have had so many strong defenses throughout the years, and those units have been buoyed by strong play up front.

Whether it was Jason Taylor, Joey Porter, Tim Bowens, Cam Wake, or someone else, Miami has been able to get to the opposing quarterback for the better part of this century.

However, last year that was not the case.

And now, veterans from the last failed build in Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are no longer with the franchise.

Chop Robinson, entering a crucial year three, remains with the team.

But beyond him, how will Miami get to the quarterback?

Every year, it is important to put pressure on the opposing passer, but this year it might be especially important in head coach/defensive play-caller Jeff Hafley’s first year, given the uncertainty in the Dolphins’ secondary.

Miami did not stand pat this offseason with the additions of Josh Uche, David Ojabo, and Robert Beal Jr.

The three of them have youth on their side and something to prove coming off their rookie contracts, but they were all signed to veteran-minimum deals for a reason.

They would not be heavy snap-takers who super bowl-contending teams, something that Miami is now missing as Chubb signed a deal to close games this year with the Buffalo Bills.

If Uche, Ojabo, and Beal Jr. can not get the job done and Robinson cannot take the next step in year 3, then where does Miami turn to?

Do Willie Gay Jr. and Jordyn Brooks take on a larger role in rushing the passer?

What about some more blitzes from Hafley in the secondary?

Does someone like Kyle Louis play a bigger role as a big nickel with more responsibility as a blitzer?

Hafley is known for strong defenses and creativity, dating back to his time as a defensive coordinator with Green Bay.

That is why the Dolphins hired him.

They wanted a strong defense, and to have that, they needed to consistently get after the quarterback.

If Miami can get the most out of players like Robinson, Uche, Ojabo, and Beal Jr., they will be okay.

Otherwise, it might be a long year because without a strong pass rush, they will put a potential liability in the secondary group at risk with tons of one-on-one coverage.

And that is not usually a recipe for success.

Let’s hope that Hafley can figure out a way to get after opposing quarterbacks.

If he doesn’t, it will be a long season for Miami’s young defense.