Miami Dolphins: Olivier Vernon Is a Special Teams Machine

The manner in which the Miami Dolphins took the field last Sunday against the New York Jets was not a surprise to Miami fans. In fact, it was expected.

But, the rest of the league was blown away. It was clear there was a new contender in the AFC East.

A week after the Jets barely fell to the New England Patriots in overtime, the Dolphins drowned them in a one-sided competition that ended 30-9.

And amongst this onslaught from Miami, the special teams of the Dolphins was at its peak.

It started in the first quarter, when Jimmy Wilson blocked a Robert Malone punt that quickly put the game toward the Dolphins' favor. As the ball bounced into the end zone, rookie Olivier Vernon pounced on the ball for the score.

Vernon came alive, yet again, on special teams at the very end of the first half. Nick Folk, who can be remembered as the one who put the first meeting of the Dolphins and the Jets away in Week 3, lined up to take a 35-yard field goal. Vernon used his sheer strength and pushed his way through the defensive line and in one leap, tipped the kick just enough to ruin its trajectory.

I did an article two weeks ago documenting Vernon's contributions as a backup defensive end that in limited playing time in Week 6, managed to sack Rams quarterback Sam Bradford twice, hoping that there were to be future contributions from this rookie. Well, Vernon has yet again proven himself as more than worthy of the organization's trust following his special teams efforts today.

Oliver Vernon, we're glad to see you in South Beach.