Burke says defense not playing like winners
DAVIE — Dolphins defensive coordinator Matt Burke, whose unit has allowed an average of 19 points per game, tied for eighth-best in the NFL, and 77.5 rushing yards per game, fifth-best in the NFL, was probably exaggerating a bit in his comments Thursday. But it’s clear he doesn’t want to hear chatter about his defense playing winning football while the offense struggles.
“We’re not playing that game in my [defensive meeting] room,” he said. “I’ll tell you that.”
Miami’s defense, which got a boost last week when linebacker Lawrence Timmons returned from suspension, could get another boost this week from middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who said he’s been practicing with the starters this week since he’s recovered from his hamstring injury.
But even new personnel might not be enough to sway Burke.
Burke, who maintains the Dolphins wouldn’t be 1-2 if the defense was playing winning football, said there have been five missed opportunities on potential turnovers this season.
He’s not happy his defense allowed New Orleans an 87-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter with a 13-0 deficit. The drive was aided by a 15-yard roughingthe-passer penalty against defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and a 5-yard neutral-zone infraction on rookie defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.
Beyond that, Burke is surely aware his pass defense is 27th in the NFL at 272 yards per game. And he probably knows his pass rush only has four sacks, second-fewest in the NFL (albeit in one fewer game than all but Tampa Bay, which is last with one sack).
Regardless, the defense seems the best thing the Dolphins have working for them Sunday against Tennessee, and coach Adam Gase said he’s “extremely” frustrated offensively because they’re squandering good defense performances with their lackluster offensive showings.
“I mean that’s my side of the ball,” said Gase, who is the play-caller and overall offensive mastermind, “and when those guys are playing the way they are, I feel like I’m wasting really good performances. “