MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., July 26 (UPI) — Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard, the new star cornerbacks for the Miami Dolphins, are confident that their partnership will elevate the team’s defense to an elite level. They also believe that by working together, they can minimize fatigue and further enhance their already outstanding performance as All-Pros.
Ramsey and Howard recently expressed these sentiments as the team convened for training camp at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“I have a thorough understanding of what it takes to excel in this defense and be one of the best in the league,” Ramsey stated. “We have all the necessary components, from exceptional pass rushers to a formidable secondary.
“We even have talented linebackers and more. While I don’t like making comparisons, when I consider the other teams I’ve been a part of, I feel like we stack up well on paper. But the real work lies ahead.”
Ramsey, who joined the Dolphins through a trade in March, is expected to bring confidence, strength, and versatility to a defense that conceded the sixth-highest number of passing yards in the NFL last season.
The six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro was the third-highest-rated cornerback in the NFL in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus. Ramsey, 28, played a crucial role in a Los Angeles Rams defense that allowed the fewest passing yards in 2020 and contributed to their 2022 Super Bowl victory.
This offseason, the Dolphins must integrate veteran players, young talents, and new recruits under the guidance of recently hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Fangio, widely respected for his defensive expertise, strategy, and creativity, frequently implements a defensive approach that involves using two deep coverage defenders.
Unlike the Dolphins’ previous reliance on a single deep defender, this strategy aims to limit big plays and distribute responsibilities among multiple players.
“We have an enormous amount of work to do, but it will all pay off as long as we play as one,” Ramsey emphasized. “Unity is crucial for the defense and the team as a whole. These are areas we will undoubtedly focus on during training camp.”
Howard, 30, trusts that Fangio will position the Dolphins defenders favorably to make plays throughout the 2023 season. Furthermore, Ramsey’s presence could contribute to Howard regaining his reputation as an interception expert.
In 2020, Howard led the NFL with 10 interceptions, and he recorded seven interceptions in 2018. However, he only managed to secure one interception in 15 starts last season.
“This partnership is going to open up new opportunities for me,” Howard said. “Intercepting passes is a crucial part of my game, and that’s what I strive for. Not having to play as much man coverage as we did last year and not constantly following a specific player will be highly beneficial.
“In my career, some teams tried to tire me out by putting me in motion before the snap when they realized I was marking their best player. By primarily sticking to left and right man coverage, I believe things will be easier for me.”
The Dolphins will kick off their preseason against the Atlanta Falcons on August 11 in Miami Gardens. Their first regular-season game will be against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 10 in Inglewood, California.
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