Dolphins wounded defense has chance to slaughter woeful Giants offense

MIAMI GARDENS — A challenging practice was over this week and the only Dolphins still on the field were Christian Wilkins and Bradley Chubb and Jevon Holland, who sat in the grass in an end zone, sweating, and talking.

They are all star players in a locker room full of stars.

At times, individually, and through the first four games of the season, collectively, Miami's defense has not lived up to its own self-described standard.

"A combination of disappointment, pride is hurt, upset, everything all rolled up into one," first-year Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said this week.

The Dolphins are 28th in scoring defense and 26th in total defense, which is way off the mark.

Yes, Sunday's home game against the woeful Giants is an opportunity to "get right."

But regardless of opponent, Miami's defense has a lot of things to "get right."

"Technique," Chubb said this week. "Fundamentals."

It's a tale as old as the Lombardi Trophy.

The Dolphins defense, regardless of cumulative Pro Bowls, first-rounders and massive salary cap hits, need to tackle better, execute their assignments and play faster.

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Some players note they're still learning a new system. Fangio says no excuses.

"I think it should be there," Fangio said of grasp of system.

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Miami hasn't gotten enough pressure.

"Me personally, I feel like I could get after the quarterback a lot better," Chubb said.

Miami hasn't tackled well enough, especially at linebacker and last week, safety.

"Be where you’re needed, where you’re supposed to be and be more consistent," Fangio said.

Fangio said coaching needs to be better. He even said of his decision to cover Stefon Diggs with Kader Kohou largely 1-on-1: "The second-guessing is justified."

Players say they need to trust the new system because, as we all know, Fangio's system works.

It is possible not all players fit Fangio's system seamlessly, and so some flexibility and open-mindedness on the part of coaches and players may be required in 2023.

“I mean it is different, but at the same time, football is football," linebacker Jerome Baker said. "Most of the time we all have one gap, so it’s nothing too crazy. It’s more of just all being on the same page together.”

Jevon Holland explains what Dolphins D needs

Added the safety Holland: "We’ve just got to get back to the basics. That’s the bottom line. Get back to the basics, fundamentals, technique. Focus on your job."

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel thinks some defensive players have tried to do too much.

Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, one of a few defenders exceeding expectations, says the team needs turnovers but, "First guy in, wrap up for the second or third guy."

"We put an emphasis on running to the ball," AVG said. "Last week I don't think it was up to our standard. They're harping on it this week. The more jerseys you have there the better opportunity that the ball is going to come out."

The Dolphins have been favored by 12.5 points against the Giants this week.

Miami is heavily favored to go to 4-1 for the first time in 20 years.

The Giants are terrible at passing, rushing, pass protection, run blocking and third down efficiency.

The Dolphins' offense is so good (#1 in NFL at 37.5 points per game) that the Giants defensive coordinator said this week he can't sleep.

New York Giants offense is putrid

The Giants' offense is so bad (#32 in NFL at 11.5 points per game) that McDaniel had to answer those questions this week about if this is a "get right game."

He said he doesn't believe in that.

But you'd better believe Miami defensive players are targeting a shut out.

Or, at worst, to hold New York to 10 points or less.

"We’ve just been inconsistent," Fangio said. "And not at one position per se. Just inconsistent across the board. We need to a better job of coaching."

And playing.

"If we get back to those fundamentals and get back to what the defense is asking of us, I feel like we can take this to a whole other level," Chubb said.

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Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on social media platforms @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Disappointment. Hurt pride. Dolphins defense not living up to expectations.