Dolphins Among the Worst Teams at Tackling in 2024, Per Next Gen Stats
The Miami Dolphins have long been a team filled with promise, with flashes of brilliance in both their offense and defense. However, one area that has been consistently troubling in the 2024 season has been their tackling. According to data from Next Gen Stats, the Dolphins are ranked among the worst teams in the league when it comes to fundamental tackling, a deficiency that could prove costly as they strive for postseason success.
A Startling Stat
As the NFL season progresses into its latter stages, teams are starting to separate themselves based on their ability to execute in crucial areas. While Miami has boasted one of the most explosive offenses, their defense, particularly their tackling, has been a weak link. In fact, per the advanced metrics provided by Next Gen Stats, the Dolphins’ tackling efficiency ranks among the lowest in the NFL.
This statistic is especially concerning when you consider that the Dolphins’ defense has been tasked with stopping high-powered offenses, including those led by some of the league’s top quarterbacks and running backs. Without solid tackling, even the best defensive schemes can quickly break down, allowing opponents to gain valuable yardage and extend drives.
Understanding the Importance of Tackling
Tackling is often considered a fundamental skill in football, yet it remains one of the most critical aspects of defensive play. Effective tackling prevents yards after contact, forces turnovers, and helps a team regain possession of the ball. In the modern NFL, where passing offenses have become more prolific, the ability to tackle well is even more important. The Dolphins’ struggles in this area have been noticeable, especially as they have allowed significant yardage after initial contact.
Next Gen Stats breaks down tackling efficiency by evaluating not just whether a tackle is made, but the manner in which it is executed. Tackles made too far from the line of scrimmage or missed altogether are counted as inefficient, and Miami’s defenders have been noted for their struggles in these areas. Furthermore, the lack of solid tackling has led to several big plays for opponents, leading to increased pressure on the defense and diminishing the team’s ability to control the game’s tempo.
The Defensive Dilemma
Miami’s defense has seen improvement in various areas over the past few seasons, but the tackling issue remains a glaring weakness. The Dolphins’ defensive coordinator has repeatedly emphasized the need for better wrap-ups and reducing missed tackles. However, despite these efforts, the results have been far from ideal.
One of the most glaring examples of Miami’s tackling woes came during a week 9 game against the Buffalo Bills. In that game, the Dolphins allowed multiple long runs after missed tackles, including a critical 55-yard touchdown by Buffalo’s star running back. The defensive breakdown not only gave the Bills easy points but also demoralized the team and swung momentum in Buffalo’s favor.
Looking at the numbers, Miami has consistently ranked in the lower half of the league for missed tackles, with a significant portion of their missed tackles coming on long plays. These missed opportunities have resulted in bigger plays and fewer stops, ultimately contributing to the team’s inability to consistently get off the field on third down.
Key Players Struggling
While tackling issues are a team-wide concern, there are a few players whose struggles have been more apparent. For instance, cornerback Xavien Howard, often seen as one of the team’s top defenders, has missed several key tackles in open-field situations. His ability to cover receivers is unquestioned, but his tackling has been erratic this season. Similarly, linebacker Jerome Baker, a player known for his speed and playmaking ability, has been inconsistent in his tackling, particularly when it comes to breaking down in space.
On the defensive line, players like Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb have struggled to finish tackles in the backfield, allowing quarterbacks and running backs to escape pressure and pick up extra yards. These defensive linemen are crucial to Miami’s pass rush, but when they fail to wrap up, it extends plays and puts more pressure on the secondary.
Coaching Changes and Impact
Miami’s tackling issues have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. In the offseason, the team hired a new defensive backs coach and a new linebackers coach in an attempt to shore up their defensive fundamentals. However, the early returns on these changes have been less than favorable. Despite the coaching staff’s emphasis on improving tackling techniques, the Dolphins have continued to struggle in this critical area.
Several observers have pointed to a lack of consistency in the defensive scheme as a contributing factor to the team’s struggles. While Miami has shown moments of brilliance, their inability to consistently stop the run and prevent big gains through missed tackles has held them back. It’s clear that the coaching staff faces a critical challenge in instilling better tackling fundamentals and developing a more reliable defensive approach.
The Impact on Team Performance
The Dolphins’ tackling issues have had a ripple effect on the team’s overall performance. Their defense, which has shown promise at times, has been inconsistent throughout the season. The inability to finish tackles has led to longer scoring drives for opponents, increasing the strain on the team’s offense. Additionally, it has resulted in Miami spending more time on the field defensively, which can wear down players over the course of a game.
Furthermore, the lack of solid tackling has led to a higher number of points allowed, contributing to losses in critical games. While the Dolphins’ offense, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, has been one of the most potent in the league, the defense has been unable to provide the necessary support to secure victories in close games.
Opportunities for Improvement
There are several areas where the Dolphins could focus their efforts to improve their tackling. First and foremost, better wrap-up technique is essential. Tackling with arms extended and ensuring that defenders are not diving at ball carriers’ legs can help minimize missed tackles. Additionally, defensive players need to work on their ability to read the ball carrier and make sure they don’t overcommit to a play, which often leads to missed tackles in space.
The Dolphins could also benefit from more aggressive pursuit of the ball carrier. When defenders fail to pursue at full speed, they allow the ball carrier to get outside and evade tackles. Miami needs to ensure that their defenders are consistently in pursuit, preventing opponents from gaining extra yards after contact.
Finally, continued emphasis on improving communication between players will be key. Often, missed tackles occur when players are out of position or fail to work in concert with one another. By improving their communication and ensuring that they are aligned defensively, the Dolphins can help reduce breakdowns that lead to big plays.
Conclusion
As the Miami Dolphins continue their push for the playoffs in 2024, their tackling deficiencies are a significant concern. With Next Gen Stats highlighting their struggles in this area, it is clear that the team’s defense will need to make significant improvements to compete at a high level. The coaches, players, and front office must prioritize tackling as a fundamental aspect of the team’s defensive philosophy moving forward. If the Dolphins are able to shore up their tackling, they could become a more well-rounded team, capable of contending with the NFL’s best in the postseason.
However, the road to improvement will not be easy. Tackling is a skill that requires repetition, discipline, and commitment, all of which will be tested as Miami continues its season. With critical games on the horizon, it remains to be seen if the Dolphins can address their tackling issues in time to make a deep playoff run. The clock is ticking, and every missed tackle could cost them an opportunity to succeed in the tough NFC.
