The Miami Dolphins have been one of the most impressive teams in the NFL through the first six weeks of the season. They are 5-1, sitting atop the AFC East with their only loss coming against their divisional rivals, the Buffalo Bills.
Despite that little hiccup, the Dolphins have cemented themselves as the most explosive offense in the NFL. Last season, they relied almost solely on the arm of Tua Tagovailoa, who tore apart opponents on a weekly basis targeting Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
That aerial display is still occurring on a weekly basis, but they now have a dominant running game to pair with it. Miami is first in passing yards, rushing yards, passing touchdowns and rushing touchdowns to this point as no one can stop this offense consistently.
If the Dolphins can figure things out on the defensive side of the ball, they can become legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Luckily for them, their defense could receive a massive boost sooner rather than later.
Star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, whom the Dolphins acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason, has been recovering from knee surgery that he underwent in training camp. That has delayed his much-anticipated debut with the franchise, but according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, that debut is ahead of schedule.
Per Pelissero, Ramsey is far ahead in his recovery and there is a chance that he will return to practice this week with the team. A gradual ramp-up is still the plan, but Ramsey sounds like he is on track to get on the field much sooner than anyone anticipated.
This is huge news for Ramsey and the Dolphins, as early reports put him on track to return to the field after Thanksgiving, likely in December at some point. Potentially getting him back at the midway point of the season would be a huge boost for the franchise.
Taking things slowly is certainly the way to go; thus far, his absence hasn’t derailed them much as their offense is making up for any shortcomings elsewhere on the roster. Miami can certainly use someone of his caliber on the backend of their defense, as the other cornerbacks on the roster have struggled.
Kader Kohou and Xavien Howard are ranked 41st and 86th, respectively, out of 108 qualified cornerbacks in PFF grade thus far this season. Eli Apple, who is third on the team in snaps at the position, is ranked 79th. Justin Bethel, who has played only 115 defensive snaps, has graded out the best amongst them and is 10th.
