3 Miami Dolphins who have to take the next step this season

Dolphins who need to step up: 2. Bradley Chubb

The Dolphins paid a hefty price to acquire Chubb just ahead of last season’s trade deadline. It’s safe to assume Miami was hoping for more than 2.5 sacks in eight games from the talented edge rusher.

The hope is that Chubb will be much more comfortable with the defensive scheme on the back of a full, healthy preseason. At his best, he’s one of the NFL’s most ferocious pass rushers. That’s a particularly important skill in a division that requires Miami to face Josh Allen twice.

There’s no reason to believe Chubb can’t post double-digit sacks this season if he stays healthy. He’s only playing his age-27 season which puts him squarely in his athletic prime. The presence of Jaelan Phillips on the other side of the line also should limit the number of double teams Chubb sees on a weekly basis.

The only reason Chubb shouldn’t comfortably blow past 10 sacks this year is if Phillips takes too many opportunities away from him. The Dolphins want to race out in front of opponents and force them to throw to come back. That should be music to Chubb’s ears as he looks to regain his All-Pro form in 2023.