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 faces a short-week test as Aaron Brewer contends with a new hip injury while the rest of the offense eyes early returns from Jaylen Wright and Darren Waller. Waller practiced on the edge; Wright was doubtful but close to suiting up. Melifonwu’s calf complicates safety depth, but Davis/Trader Jr. should split reps. Up front, Savaiinaea must elevate his game on the right side with Borom and Smith anchoring. Special teams mistakes linger from the Patriots game, shaping week-to-week risk and fantasy upside against Buffalo.

Injury updates, depth-chart gymnastics, and coaching comments drive the Dolphins’ Week 4 outlook. Expect tighter protection and more secondary rotation if Melifonwu sits. Washington’s Antonio Gibson and Brenden Schooler serve as cross-team reminders of how special-teams and big plays swing games. execute and scheme adjustments become critical for fantasy relevance in a short week.

Miami’s 0-2 start exposes a brittle operation: penalties, miscommunication, and a pass rush that hasn’t flipped games. Tua Tagovailoa throws for 315 yards with two TDs, yet a late INT and a stalled run game doom the comeback as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle flash, while a kickoff-return TD swings momentum. The Bills visit next, and Miami must fix basic execution across all three phases or face mounting questions about McDaniel and Grier.

Fixing the core issues—clean substitutions, disciplined tackling, and a more disruptive front seven—could unlock a steadier offense and a more trustworthy defense. If Miami can stabilize, the playmakers in the passing game can carry the load, and the crowd’s faith could return in time for a critical late-season push.

Dante Trader Jr. earned a spot on the Miami Dolphins’ 53-man roster after being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Delmar, Maryland product will wear No. 11 as a defensive back and opens the season Sept. 7 against the Colts on CBS.

A two-sport star in high school and at Maryland, Trader brings versatile athleticism to Miami’s depth chart. His preseason emergence signals a path to special-teams value and occasional defensive snaps, with a chance to snag more opportunities if he continues to adapt quickly to NFL demands.