Will The Miami Dolphins Defense Be BETTER Or Just Different In 2026?

Miami Dolphins' defense faces a pivotal season—can rising stars and new additions outperform last year’s underwhelming unit? Kyle Crabbs breaks down each defensive position group, spotlighting Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, and Jordan Phillips in the trenches, along with questions swirling around pass rushers like Chop Robinson. Confidence runs high for the defensive line and linebackers, especially with Jordan Brooks anchoring the middle, but uncertainty clouds the secondary as rookies Chris Johnson and Dante Trader Jr. look to fill major shoes. Statistical realities from 2025 loom large: a bottom-tier ranking in points allowed and yards per play set the bar for improvement. Plus, find out why Sean Payton secures a spot on Miami’s villain list after nearly orchestrating a Bill Belichick takeover in Denver—potentially threatening Don Shula’s all-time win record. Can head coach Jeff Hafley’s young defense seize the moment and change the narrative this year?