We've already talked about the offensive side of the ball when it comes to storylines to monitor during the Miami Dolphins' joint practice session with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. So now it's time to turn things over to Anthony Weaver and Co. on defense.Other than the laundry list of ...
Dolphins-Jags Joint Practice: The secondary gets a shot at redemption and a new test for the linebackers anchor top storylines on defense originally appeared on A to Z Sports.
We've already talked about the offensive side of the ball when it comes to storylines to monitor during the Miami Dolphins' joint practice session with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday. So now it's time to turn things over to Anthony Weaver and Co. on defense.
Other than the laundry list of injuries surrounding the cornerbacks, the Dolphins defense is in a spot to be one of the NFL's better units in 2025. A stout pass rush mixed with good players on the second level, along with Minkah Fitzpatrick on the back end, gives Weaver a solid foundation to work with heading into 2025.
Before that happens, though, they'll have to face their last test in the Jags offense. So, let's dive into the top storylines to monitor on defense when the Dolphins host the Jags on Thursday.
How do the Dolphins handle Brian Thomas Jr. after last week's Amon-Ra St. Brown debacle?
Kyle: The Dolphins' efforts to cover Amon-Ra St. Brown against the Lions in joint practices in Detroit was, well, an adventure. But not the fun kind. More like 'Anaconda' or 'The Descent'. How will the Dolphins respond this week with another figure worthy of being the main character of a horror film for an undermanned cornerback room, Brian Thomas Jr., coming to town? Or Travis Hunter, for that matter?
Dolphins coaches have alluded to spending some time this month pushing the boundaries of what their corners are comfortable with. Will they continue to do so, or will they lean a bit more into the strengths of the players they have on the roster? Cornerback Ethan Bonner will miss time with a hamstring, too — will Miami add another name this week?
Evan: Thomas Jr. is ready to take a big step forward after an incredible rookie season and he's already commanding a heavy target share in the preseason at 35% through two games. Granted, he and Trevor Lawrence have only connected on half the targets for minimal yardage. Still, it's clear Lawrence will be looking his way often on Thursday and it'll be interesting to see what answers the Dolphins have for the budding superstar.
A new kind of test for Miami's linebackers
Kyle: The Dolphins' off-ball linebacker room is perhaps the best top-to-bottom room on the roster. Starters Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson are complemented with hammer K.J. Britt and spark-plug Willie Gay Jr. They'll get a healthy test from Jacksonville thanks to the passing game threat that former first-round running back Travis Etienne Jr. brings to the table, plus a rare size athlete in Brenton Strange.
The Dolphins' defense will put unique amounts of pressure on this group for their coverage assignments. How well will this group space everything amid some viable middle of the field targets on Thursday against Jacksonville? It will be a big piece of the puzzle for the success of Miami's defense in practice.
Evan: Strange is an underrated breakout candidate for the Jags. He put together a solid 2024 season despite playing 56% of offensive snaps and he's shown early chemistry with Lawrence so far during the preseason. He's not a game-breaker like Brock Bowers or George Kittle, but he has the athleticism and blocking ability to be a good player for the Jags. Liam Coen will certainly find ways to get him open over the middle.
We all know what Etienne is capable of when healthy, but don't forget about Tank Bigsby, either. He reminded everyone that he can make plays in the passing game with a 19-yard catch-and-run last week against the Saints. The Dolphins linebackers will have their hands full during the joint practice session.
The Dolphins' loaded pass rush vs. the new-look Jaguars offensive line
Kyle: The Dolphins added veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon to their ranks at the beginning of this week and will now sprinkle him in alongside Miami's trio of former first rounders in Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson. Judon would have been the Dolphins' second best pass rusher in 2024 off the edge and will now serve as a role player and quality depth for the position room that most directly will dictate the success of the defense.
The Jaguars have invested heavily in their offensive line for their first season under Coen. Will those investments get the better of Miami's marquee group? Or will the Dolphins wreak havoc on Trevor Lawrence?
Evan: The Jags have capable players at every position along the offensive line and there's even familiarity involved with Robert Hainsey, the Jags' starting center who came over from Tampa Bay with Coen. The key there is he's been in Coen's system for more than a year now, which not only allows him to coach up his teammates, but it makes the calls and checks at the line of scrimmage much easier for everyone since he's ingrained in the offense.
This will be a big test to see just how far along the offensive line has come, however. The unit has a ton of talent, but now it's about putting it all together on the field and performing.
This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Football
