Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan recently weighed in on how the Miami Dolphins will fare in 2024. As a disclaimer, Ryan is picking the Jets to win the AFC and the Super Bowl with the "100-year-old Aaron Rodgers" under center.
Ryan thinks the Dolphins defense is weaker than last season. The 2023 Dolphins' defense finished third in the NFL with 56 sacks, but there have been significant off-season changes.
Most notably, the Dolphins lost their 2019 first-round pick (No. 13 overall) defensive tackle Christian Wilkins who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency in the offseason. Other players who left in the offseason included DeShon Elliott, Andrew Van Ginkel, Xavien Howard, Jerome Baker, and Brandon Jones.
The team also parted ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio who is now in the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles. Anthony Weaver will assume the role in 2024, his 20th season in the NFL. Weaver spent 7 seasons as a player and 13 seasons as a coach. Weaver was the Ravens' assistant head coach and defensive line coach in 2023.
Is Rex Ryan correct that the Dolphins' defense with these personnel changes will take a step back in 2024?