Bradley Chubb has been a pivotal figure in the Miami Dolphins’ defense since his arrival in November 2022. Despite facing significant injuries, including a recent ACL tear, Chubb’s impact on the team’s defensive performance has been substantial. His ability to generate sacks and force fumbles has been crucial, leading the NFL in forced fumbles during the 2023 season12. However, the question remains whether Chubb alone can be the game-changer the Dolphins need or if additional blockbuster trades are necessary to bolster their defense.
Chubb’s presence has significantly enhanced the Dolphins’ defense. He led the team with 11 sacks in 2023 and tied for the NFL lead with six forced fumbles, contributing to Miami’s rise to the fifth-best total defense in the league12. His partnership with fellow edge rusher Jaelan Phillips has been promising, though both players have faced injuries that have impacted their availability23.
Despite Chubb’s contributions, the Dolphins face challenges in maintaining defensive consistency, particularly with injuries affecting key players. Chubb’s ACL injury, combined with Phillips’ season-ending Achilles tendon tear, has strained the team’s defensive capabilities35. The Dolphins will need to assess whether Chubb’s return can stabilize their defense or if additional moves are required to ensure long-term success.
While Chubb is a core component of the Dolphins’ defense, his injury history raises concerns about his durability. The team may consider blockbuster trades to strengthen their roster, especially if they aim to maintain a top-tier defense without relying heavily on Chubb’s health35. However, Chubb’s mere presence can positively impact the defense, even if he’s not at full capacity, suggesting that his return could still be a significant boost5.
Conclusion
Bradley Chubb is undoubtedly a game-changer for the Dolphins’ defense when healthy. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers has been instrumental in Miami’s defensive success. However, given his injury history and the team’s broader defensive needs, the Dolphins might explore additional trades to ensure they have a robust defense capable of competing at the highest level. For now, Chubb’s return to health is crucial, and his impact will be closely watched as the team navigates future seasons.
