The Miami Dolphins may have a unique advantage going into their Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars thanks to new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Weaver is entering his first season with the Dolphins, which means opposing teams don’t have a ton of information to work with when trying to figure out what to expect from his Miami defense.
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence seems to recognize that, and he realizes that it presents a challenge.
🎥 Trevor Lawrence on the challenges of playing Miami Dolphins' defense with a new defensive coordinator: "It's challenging. Early games in the season are always a little tough but especially when it's a new defensive coordinator." (@Jaguars) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/uABPmMCgo1
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) September 4, 2024
The Jaguars can certainly look back at the work Weaver did at some of his past stops to try to get an idea of what to expect from his defense this Sunday, but there will still be a good amount of guesswork involved as Jacksonville tries to make a game plan.
It’s an advantage that won’t last forever for the Dolphins — and the advantage will probably be at its strongest in Week 1 — but Miami certainly isn’t complaining.
Lawrence and company will look to overcome the obstacle and hand the Dolphins a Week 1 loss at Hard Rock Stadium. The Jags are looking to wash away the taste of a 2023 season that didn’t result in a playoff berth, a disappointing showing after they reached the playoffs and even advanced to the second round in the 2022 campaign.
Lawrence had an iffy 2023 season, throwing 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. This coming season, he’ll look to get back to his 2022 form. He threw 25 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions in that campaign.
It’s safe to assume that limiting turnovers will be a priority for the quarterback this season, but that’s one area where Weaver’s crew would love to wreak some havoc in Week 1. Lawrence, in his three NFL seasons, has really only had one season in which he did a nice job of keeping the ball safe. Winning the turnover battle would go a long way toward a season-opening win for Miami.
After facing the Jags this coming Sunday, the Dolphins will have a quick turnaround for their Week 2 game, a Thursday matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Fortunately, the Dolphins won’t have to travel, as each of their first two games will be at home.
