Reshad Jones

The Miami Dolphins defense is just a different caliber when they have their heart and soul out there. It showed in a big way today, with all-star safety Reshad Jones coming back to the team after missing the previous two weeks with a shoulder injury.

The Dolphins desperately missed Jones’ on-field performance the past two weeks, but more than that they missed his leadership and passion. Jones’ contribution to the defense go so far beyond the stat sheet. He’s great in that aspect of the game, too, but what he does for everyone around him is, in my opinion, even more impressive. And desperately needed.

Jones came through for the Dolphins defense in a big way today. Not only was he the team’s leading tackler with eight tackles, he also came through with a big pass breakup. A play which was ultimately picked off by linebacker Kiko Alonso to extend the Dolphins defense’s league lead in takeaways. Jones’ presence was felt all over the field in more ways than one. Not only was he making plays at every level, he allowed the other guys to make their plays.

With Jones back in the Dolphins defensive backfield, star rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick gets to move back outside to the nickel cornerback position he’s thrived at so far in his young career. Fitzpatrick was solid today, no matter who he was lined up across.

Considering that he was lined up across from one of the league’s best wide receiver groups, this is no small accomplishment. Fitzpatrick’s development has been fun to watch, but it’s clear he needs Jones out there for him to be his best.