How the Miami Dolphins Can Get the Most out of Dion Jordan in 2014

Thomas GaliciaSep 17, 2014

The Miami Dolphins are only two games away from getting back a player capable of pushing their already stout front four into the next level, and who could also work as a linebacker and help what is arguably Miami's weakest position on defense.

Dion Jordan, who has missed the last two games (and the next two games) due to a suspension for using PEDs, is expected to rejoin the team in time for their Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

With Miami being so strong and deep up front (as well as the emergence of Chris McCain, when the Dolphins choose to play him), one wonders what kind of impact with Jordan have on the Dolphins when he comes back?

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How can the Dolphins get the most out of Dion Jordan?

Today, we'll look at that.

As a Straight-Ahead 4-3 DE Pass Rusher

Miami originally traded up to draft Jordan with the hope that he would line up alongside, and eventually replace, ace pass rusher Cameron Wake. In the two seasons Jordan has been in Miami, he has been outplayed by Olivier Vernon, who has had the starting role since Week 1 of last season and has produced since then by recording 12.5 sacks.

The main reason Vernon got the starting job to begin with was because he was better against the run than Jordan in training camp last season. Since then, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded out Vernon at -3.7 against the run in 2013, and 0.6 against the run this season, while Jordan graded out at -2.2 against the run (but with fewer snaps).

They both excel at pass rushing, and while Vernon has been superb, Jordan has more upside. Last season he barely saw the field as a defensive end pass rusher, but usually when he did, he created results.

Photo Courtesy of NFL GameRewind, Artwork by Thomas Galicia

Here's one such play against the Ravens last season, which resulted in Jordan not getting the sack, but forcing Joe Flacco into making a bad throw. The bad throw would land in the arms of Reshad Jones, who would return the pass for a touchdown.

The Dolphins won't have to make a decision between Jordan and Vernon often though, as Jordan can be used in another formation.

As a Linebacker in the 5-2 Used To Go After The Quarterback

This role was filled by Chris McCain in Miami's first game against the Patriots this season.

As you see by the picture, McCain, who's circled, is to head into the backfield and rush the quarterback from the linebacker position.

Photo Courtesy of NFL Game Rewind, Artwork by Thomas Galicia

The Dolphins sent six men in on the play, with McCain and Cameron Wake coming in from their respective sides, while Olivier Vernon (who's next to Wake on the left side of the picture) going in afterwards.

The result of this play was the game-changing sack and forced fumble by Cameron Wake, however McCain's pressure had a lot to do with why Brady was sacked.

With both options it makes it feel like the Dolphins have to choose between either Olivier Vernon and Dion Jordan or Chris McCain and Dion Jordan.

This isn't the case, especially with how depleted they are at linebacker.

Dion Jordan-Strong Side Linebacker

Dion Jordan has a lot more upside than McCain, and the two should both be Miami's outside linebackers, with McCain taking the weak side and Jordan taking the strong side.

As the Dolphins' strong side linebacker, Jordan can rush the passer at times, but more importantly he can help with what has been the biggest weakness on defense the last few years—covering the tight end.

Last season against the Patriots, the Dolphins experimented with Jordan covering Rob Gronkowski. While Gronkowski was hurt during the game, when Jordan was on him he wasn't able to do much. This was because Jordan had the speed and athleticism needed to keep up with Gronk.

Here's Philip Wheeler in the position that Jordan should be in, with the focus here being covering Gronkowski.