While Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL in passing yards last season, it didn't take an expert to note the Dolphins could've been better defensively.
They've taken steps to address that reality. A veteran member of the offense has already seen the changes.
"I love where we are. We have a great blend of youth and veterans now," left tackle Terron Armstead said recently on the Up & Adams show. "Bringing in Weave (defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver), too, from Baltimore, watching the defense in OTAs and minicamp was spooky. The looks, the disguises, the weapons that he has and the way that he's using those guys, I love where we are."
Vic Fangio and Miami weren't long for each other, so when they parted ways at the end of the 2023 season, the Dolphins acted with urgency, nabbing Weaver away from former Ravens defensive coordinator (and current Seahawks coach) Mike Macdonald's staff with the hopes he'd bring with him the system that saw Baltimore finish sixth in yards allowed per game last season. Miami has talent on that side of the ball, and added another piece in Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson in April's draft. They just needed a new mastermind to put it to use.
According to Armstead, Weaver is doing just that, well enough to make an impression on the 11-year veteran.
Of course, Miami's potential isn't solely dependent on a defensive jump in 2024. After leading the NFL in passing yards last season, Tagovailoa enters a contract year in 2024 with plenty riding on it. In order for the Dolphins to realize their potential, Tagovailoa will have to produce at a high level once again -- and might need to do so while carrying financial pressure on his shoulders.
In Armstead's opinion, Tagovailoa shouldn't worry about the money. He should just go play ball and let the rest take care of itself.
"Of course," Armstead told Kay Adams when asked if he thought Tagovailoa would receive a top-tier contract extension. "It's gonna happen. We need Tua to go anywhere we're trying to go. All (of) our dreams, goals and aspirations are reliant on No. 1. The Dolphins know that, the organization knows that, the city, the league.
"The way they iron out the numbers, all that, negotiations get tough in contracts. Teams start to bring up bad plays, bad games, injuries. You start to get offended, like 'oh man, that's how you really feel?' (But) it's leverage. Once you peel back those layers and you keep it about the business, it'll get done."
Tagovailoa proved plenty of detractors wrong in 2023, staying healthy for an entire season while leading the Dolphins to a second-straight playoff appearance. He'll need to do the same (and perhaps more) in 2024 to push the Dolphins to where they want to go.
If Weaver's defense does its part, they just might get there.