The last two weeks, the Miami Dolphins defense have given up a total of 971 yards. That is the highest total any Dolphins defense has given up since 1984.
The task doesn’t expect to get any easier for the Dolphins defense this week as they will face one of the most versatile and dynamic running back in the NFL, David Johnson of the Arizona Cardinals.
Currently, Johnson leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,709) and total touchdowns (15). He also ranks third in rushing yards with 1,005 and third in rushing touchdowns with 11.
Johnson isn’t just a threat on the ground, but he has also beaten defenses with his receiving skills as well. He leads all NFL running backs in receptions with 64 and receiving yards with 704. Johnson has the chance to be the third running back in history to reach 1,000 rushing and receiving yards and the first since Marshall Faulk in 1999.
“Big guy,” Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said. “Fast. Good vision. He can do multiple things. He’s got all three phases of that position. When you have a guy that’s a threat both running the ball and catching the ball, it makes it very tough.”
Attempting to slow down Johnson could be an even harder job without the Dolphins best linebacker Kiko Alonso. He has not practiced with the team all week as Alonso was working with an individual trainer during practice on Thursday.
If Alonso cannot play against the Cardinals, backup Mike Hull will the likely get the start at middle linebacker.
Alonso said no decision has been made about his playing status on Sunday.
““Right now, we are going day-by-by, so we will see,” Alonso said on Thursday.
Gase thought Hull played well in the Dolphins 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
“He showed up, for sure,” Gase said. “That was something that was very obvious, probably to anybody that was watching the game. His instincts are off the charts. You see how quickly he reacts compared to everybody else. For whatever reason, he has that ability to … Everybody is going one way, he’s going the other way, and he’s usually right. You just watch him play, it’s very impressive.”
In 12 games this season, Johnson has gone over 100 yards of all-purpose yardage in each one. Last week against the Washington Redskins, Johnson rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. He also caught nine passes for 91 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Miami ranks 30th in rushing defense as they have given up an average of 130.3 yards on the ground. One positive for the Dolphins defense is their track record against elite running backs.
Earlier this season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami’s defense held running back Le’Veon Bell to 53 yards rushing. While Bell was a factor in the Steelers passing game with six catches for 55 yards, the Dolphins won the game 30-15.
In their 28-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, Miami limited LeSean McCoy to eight carries for 11 yards. They were also able to hold San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon to 70 yards on 24 carries in their narrow 31-24 win on the road in Week 10.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph believes he has a way to slow down Johnson, but it won’t be easy.
“You put big ‘backers on him with leverage, so you can take him away, Joseph said. “Obviously, that’s a challenge. He’s a receiver in their empty package, even from the backfield. Obviously, in the run game, he’s a downhill, big runner who can make you miss. He has got speed for the big runs. It’s going to be a challenge.”
In a home game, the Dolphins must contain Johnson if they’re going to come away with the victory.
