Miami’s interior line is a work in progress as Zach Sieler anchors the push and rookies Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips absorb the NFL pace. Run defense has struggled against Jets and Bills, but second-half steadiness hints at growth.

McDaniel leaves the door open for Wilkins while banking on the rookies. For fantasy, track snap splits and rotation vs the Panthers—early-season growth could stabilize the run defense and boost weekly ceilings for the Dolphins.

Miami’s defense answered the bell with a violent ball-security focus, turning the Jets’ opening push into a trio of fumbles and a pivotal early turnover. Jack Jones sparked the night with a forcing punch on Braelon Allen, while Tyrel Dodson, Jaelan Phillips and Dante Trader Jr. piled on with takeaways. Weaver’s scheme and drills paid off, even as the run defense showed vulnerabilities. The win sets up a fast-start challenge against Carolina while the unit eyes more disruption and improved frontline play.

Miami’s defense has yet to create turnovers, sits last in passer rating allowed and near the bottom in the run game, all pointing at a front seven that hasn’t lived up to last season’s disruptive reputation. With a young, makeshift secondary and higher pressure to produce, the Dolphins need their front seven to set the tone against a Jets squad capable of scoring in bunches. If Monday night at Hard Rock ends in defeat, the calls for change could intensify, putting McDaniel under renewed scrutiny.