While the “Wildcat” scores, Miami’s defense soars

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Thursday, October 09, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

Miami Dolphins
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Everyone is talking about it throughout the NFL. It is becoming the rage in the league. Rumor has it that there is even a dance and a mascot being developed to pay it homage.

Welcome to the world of the “Wildcat.” Running back Ronnie Brown and the Miami Dolphins have caught the league by storm with the exciting formation, in which Brown lines up at quarterback and takes a direct snap from center. Ever since the Dolphins used the "Wildcat" in Week 3 to pummel the New England Patriots, 38-13, on the strength of five Brown touchdowns, the formation has jumped to the front of the news.

Lost in the shuffle of the offense's success has been the performance of the Miami defense. Exciting runs, halfback passes and touchdown celebrations are the things that make "SportsCenter" highlight reels, but the Dolphins’ two-game winning streak is thanks largely to their improved 'D'.

After four games, Miami’s defense is ranked seventh in the NFL in yards allowed per game (288.8), seventh in rushing yards surrendered per game (82.8) and seventh in total points given up (74).

Another key stat that points to the solid play of Miami’s defense is the fact that it is only allowing opponents to convert 35.8 percent of their third downs. When you stop an opponent from getting a first down on almost 7 of 10 attempts, good things are probably going to happen.

For the Dolphins' defense, two players have stood out so far. Safety Yeremiah Bell is leading the Dolphins with 30 individual tackles. Bell, who was a sixth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky in 2003, is almost halfway to his season-high total of 70 tackles that he achieved in '06.

Linebacker Joey Porter is also a big reason that the Dolphins are causing offenses concern this season. Porter, who is in his 10th season, leads Miami with 5 1/2 sacks. Only four games into this year, Porter is well on his way to breaking his season-high sack total of 10 1/2, which he has achieved twice.

One area of concern for Miami’s defense is the fact that it only has a single interception after four games, with lineman Randy Starks possessing the lone pick. A lack of interceptions can mean that teams are afraid to throw deep against Miami; however, it can also signal that Dolphins defensive backs aren’t doing their part in an effort to take the ball away from opposing receivers.

Miami’s defense will be tested on Sunday when it faces the task of shutting down exciting rookie running back Steve Slaton of the Houston Texans. Slaton has four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) in four games and is averaging a hefty 5.0 yards per carry on the campaign.

The 2-2 Dolphins are going to need to contain Slaton, not to mention quarterback Matt Schaub, if they are going to escape with a win against the 0-4 Texans.
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About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every ...
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