The Miami Dolphins’ explosive offense, led by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, often overshadows the team’s defensive talent. However, amidst this offensive firepower, a defensive force quietly makes his presence felt: edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr recently highlighted Chubb as the Dolphins’ most underrated player, and for good reason.
Bradley Chubb in action for the Miami Dolphins
Orr argues that Chubb’s impact often goes unnoticed, despite his elite performance. In his analysis, Orr points out that Chubb’s statistics rival those of Myles Garrett, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. “Last year, he had just three fewer sacks and four fewer pressures than Myles Garrett,” Orr wrote. This comparison underscores Chubb’s significant contribution to the Dolphins’ defense.
In the 2023 season, Chubb recorded impressive numbers: 11 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, and 33 pressures. He also led the league with six forced fumbles and added two passes defended. These statistics clearly demonstrate Chubb’s disruptive presence on the field.
Chubb’s consistent performance against both top-tier and lower-tier opponents sets him apart. Orr emphasizes Chubb’s ability to “wear down” elite offensive tackles and “blow up” various protection schemes. Against lesser opponents, Chubb delivers dominant performances, consistently exceeding expectations.
One factor contributing to Chubb’s underrated status is the high price the Dolphins paid to acquire him from the Denver Broncos in 2022: a first-round pick and a lucrative long-term contract. This high acquisition cost has led to heightened expectations, as Orr notes: “Because of the high price tag…he’s going to be held to a high standard.” However, Orr argues that Chubb consistently meets these expectations, despite lacking the same level of defensive support enjoyed by other top pass rushers like Garrett.
A significant obstacle for Chubb and the Dolphins is his recovery from a torn ACL suffered in December 2023. The typical recovery timeline for such an injury is 9-12 months, placing his return sometime in September 2024. While a return early in the season is possible, a stint on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start the season wouldn’t be surprising. Chubb’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by the Dolphins’ defense.
Despite the injury setback, Chubb’s talent and potential remain undeniable. When healthy, he is a game-changer, capable of single-handedly disrupting opposing offenses. As the Dolphins look to contend in the AFC, Chubb’s return will be crucial to their defensive success. His ability to generate pressure, create turnovers, and consistently perform at a high level makes him an invaluable asset to the team.
