Almost 11 months after the Miami Dolphins made strategic moves by signing talented linebackers Justin Houston and Bruce Irvin for a crucial championship showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team continues to face challenges in establishing a reliable edge rush connection. This ongoing issue remains a focal point for the Dolphins as they strive to improve their defensive performance and secure victories in upcoming games.

In a recent development, the Miami Dolphins announced that linebacker Tyus Bowser has been placed on injured reserve as of Thursday, following a week of missed practices due to persistent knee and calf injuries. Bowser was previously listed on the Week 12 injury report for the same ailments but managed to fully practice three times before logging 30 snaps in the game against the New England Patriots. This setback raises concerns about the team’s depth at linebacker and their ability to maintain defensive solidity.

The Dolphins acquired Tyus Bowser from the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad after Jaelan Phillips suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury in early October. During his time with the Dolphins, Bowser participated in 7 games, demonstrating solid edge performance with a total of 10 tackles and 4 quarterback pressures. His contributions have been vital, but the team now faces the challenge of replacing his presence on the field effectively.

With Jaelan Phillips currently on injured reserve and Shaq Barrett having announced his retirement, all eyes are now on the potential return of key players Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode. While an official timeline for their return has yet to be established, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed a positive outlook regarding their chances of rejoining the team this season. Their return could significantly bolster the Dolphins’ defensive line and enhance the team’s overall performance.

“I don’t have any updates to share beyond the fact that there have been no setbacks,” McDaniel stated on Tuesday. “They are definitely getting closer to returning, and there are many factors that influence their recovery.” This statement indicates the coaching staff’s hope and indicates that the team is actively monitoring their progress as they aim to strengthen the defense.

The Dolphins struggled to exert pressure on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love during their last matchup on Thursday night, currently ranking 29th in the league with an average of only 1.8 sacks per game. Rookie defenseman Chop Robinson has been gaining momentum, achieving 3.5 sacks over the last five games; however, he was not drafted at No. 21 overall to be the centerpiece of the defense in his inaugural season. This lack of consistent pressure has been detrimental to the team’s defensive strategy.

Veteran Emmanuel Ogbah has matched Robinson’s output with 3.5 sacks while appearing in 11 games this season, and the Dolphins have six defenders each contributing one sack. However, it’s the defensive tackle duo of Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell that spearhead the team’s pass rush, each recording 4 sacks. Collectively, Miami’s defense has managed to secure 21 sacks through 12 games, a figure that falls significantly short compared to the Denver Broncos, who lead the league with an impressive 44 quarterback takedowns.

With a current record of 5-7, the Miami Dolphins have a lengthy list of challenges explaining their inability to meet expectations for the 2024 season. While there is still a possibility for the Dolphins to secure a playoff spot by winning all remaining games, achieving this goal becomes increasingly difficult without the capacity to produce consistent pressure from the edge. Addressing these concerns is essential for the Dolphins as they work towards a successful season.