Miami Dolphins Give Themselves a Chance in the AFC East

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throws against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Rushing the Passer

The Dolphins were already known for having a great front-four that can really rush the passer. Defensive ends Cameron Wake and Oliver Vernon and tackles Earl Mitchell and Jared Odrick didn’t make it easy on opposing quarterbacks. Now, enter Suh and exit Odrick and the Dolphins defensive linemen that remain will be even better in 2015.

Defensive end Cameron Wake already had 11.5 sacks in 2015 and will be on an island with his man with Suh in the fold. Wake will have that one-on-one match-up because when there’s no blitz, pass blocking is done five on four so. The others will have one-on-one match-ups as well with Suh often beating the double-teams he gets.

That pressure up the middle is going to make things hard on the quarterbacks in the AFC East. And as great as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is, he’s just like everyone else when there’s pressure right in his face. Not giving him the clean pocket he’s used to will give the Dolphins a better shot against the Patriots, who they’ll have beat to win the division.

Next: Run Defense