What Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Wednesday

December 21, 2016

| Filed in: 2016 Regular Season, Joe Schad

Here is some of what Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said Wednesday:

• Last meeting, LeSean McCoy wasn’t healthy. It was an overall good effort. He makes a difference. He’s the best make-you-miss back in the entire league.

• The team has to hustle to the ball. McCoy is a great make-you-miss back. He’s got great feet. Great instincts. The first guy never gets him. He’s fearless. He’s a great bounce runner.

• The rushing defense numbers are important in some aspects, but the last month and a half, they have been OK. Rushing yards doesn’t always equal points. Passing yards is where the points are scored. Winning is more important than rushing stats.

• It’s been a work of progress at the linebacker corp. It’s tough. But nobody cares how many injuries you have.

• Cam Wake had a horiffic injury last season. Had a great camp. Didn’t make his first start until week 5. He’s had 4.5 sacks called back due to penalty so he could be a league-leader.

• Ndamukong Suh has had a dominant year. A dominant force. Players and coaches watching the tape know what a force he has been. Been a great teammate.

• Xavien Howard handled all those snaps well. Plan had been 15 snaps. He played 68 snaps. That’s why he was drafted in second round. He’s tall and long. Has a great demeanor about him. Sometimes too laid back and relaxed. He did his job. He played leverage and played technique. He’s ready to go if Byron Maxwell can’t go.

• Xavien Howard was the “best I’ve seen in years” in playing the deep ball on college tape. He never, ever panics. It’s a trait young corners don’t have all the time.

• Cameron Wake sacrificed by not playing a lot early in the season.

• Ndamukong Suh asked coaches what more can he do to help the team win. Coaches told Suh leadership. He had to be more vocal. He had to spread his wisdom more often than he has in the past.

• Jordan Phillips is “going to be a great player in the future” but he needs guidance from the veterans.

• Joseph did not see the Cameron Wake/Ndamukong Suh crushing hit on Bryce Petty. But he heard it. That’s too bad for the quarterback. The Jets OL may have freaked out a bit when Suh slid to defensive end.

• Byron Maxwell might practice on Thursday, which is like a typical Friday because of the Saturday game. It is a practice, not a walkthrough. He is 50-50.

 

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