The Miami Dolphins defense underwent significant turnover this offseason.
Coordinator Vic Fangio is out. Anthony Weaver is in. Christian Wilkins, Xavien Howard, Emmanuel Ogbah, Jerome Baker and Raekwon Davis are all gone, either lost in free agency or released. Jordan Poyer, Calais Campbell, Jordyn Brooks and Anthony Walker Jr. were added to the mix, and Miami drafted first-round pass rusher Chop Robinson.
Despite the big changes, linebacker David Long Jr. sees a group that can make noise in the AFC East.
"Yes sir, we've got a lot of dogs coming in, some dogs already there," Long told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston during a recent youth football camp. "We're just reloading. I think the most important thing when it comes to new players and new coaches is the chemistry that comes with time. We built something. The next step is to go to training camp and build from that."
Along with the additions, Miami still boasts playmakers like Long, Jalen Ramsey, Jevon Holland and Zach Sieler. Key edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb coming off season-ending injuries add another element of question marks heading into the season.
Long is coming off his first season in Miami, where he set a career-high with 113 total tackles, nine for loss, and generated his first career regular-season sack. A linebacker who can play north and south, Long should fit nicely into Weaver's scheme.
"Same thing as last year, new system, new coaches," Long said. "It was kind of difficult to get in a rhythm, especially earlier in the year when I wasn't playing as much. Now, I'm in a place where I'm comfortable. I'm back to where I'm supposed to be. Right now, everything is what it's supposed to be. Whether it's the chemistry, the health, which is very important to me and my mental, that's all good."
The Dolphins offense should be explosive yet again under Mike McDaniel. If the defense can improve upon last year's up-and-down experience -- and stay healthy in 2024 -- Miami will be a contender in the AFC.
