When the Miami Dolphins hired Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator for the 2024 season, many fans weren’t sure what to expect. But by the end of the year, Weaver’s unit had made one thing clear: this defense can be a strength rather than a liability. Despite key injuries and inconsistent offensive play, both with and without Tua Tagovailoa, the defense kept the team in the fight on a pretty consistent basis.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70320647/1359885499.0.jpg)
Now, with a full offseason under Weaver and critical reinforcements like Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb returning, Miami’s defense is poised to take another step forward in 2025.
Looking back at the 2024 season, the impact of the defense becomes obvious. In a gritty battle against the Houston Texans, it wasn’t the defense that cost the Dolphins the game; it was the offense. Even with Tua on the field, Miami’s offensive attack was one-dimensional and predictable.
So much so that Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was calling out Miami’s plays before they happened. Still, the defense held its ground, allowing just nine points and forcing key third-down stops. That performance alone offered a glimpse into what Weaver brings to the table in crunch time.
And that wasn’t the only game the defense kept Miami in it while the offense failed to capitalize. Against Seattle, Indianapolis, and New England, the defense delivered solid performances, but the offense sputtered—especially with poor quarterback play in Tua’s absence. The defense held strong for as long as it could, but without support, the dam eventually broke. Each of those games was winnable if the offense had simply done its part. Miami managed to escape with a win against the Patriots, but it was far from convincing.
That’s where complementary football comes into play. If the Dolphins can get consistent offensive production, particularly with Tua healthy for all 17 games—the defense doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to match its 2024 level of play. Add a few more forced turnovers and improved red-zone efficiency, and you’re looking at a top-five to ten unit.
Weaver’s influence can’t be overstated. In just one season, he instilled a physical, disciplined identity. With stars like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Grant and the return of Chubb and Phillips at full strength, there’s every reason to believe this group can elevate its game in Year Two.
If Tua stays healthy for at least 14-17 games and the defense maintains—or even slightly improves—on last season’s performance, the Dolphins should absolutely be in the playoff hunt. A top-10 defense paired with a high-octane offense led by a 2023 MVP-caliber Tua, flanked by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle? That’s a team no one wants to face come January.
The pieces are in place. If Miami can finally play all three phases —offense, defense, and special teams —in sync, 2025 might just be the year they make serious postseason noise.
