Dolphins at Cardinals: Miami Defensive Snap Counts

After looking at the offensive snap counts from the Miami Dolphins at Arizona Cardinals game yesterday, it's time now to turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball.

Like Miami's offense, the Dolphins defense had an exceptional game yesterday - other than the final score. Cornerback Sean Smith intercepted two passes, and defensive end Cameron Wake had 4.5 of the team's eight total sacks.

The Dolphins were on defense for 72 snaps yesterday. Here's the breakdown, by position group, of all the players' snap counts:

Thoughts: Soliai dropped a lot this week, with Vernon picking up the extra snaps. This could be a sign that the Dolphins are looking to get more pressure on the quarterback by moving Odrick inside and letting Vernon pass rush from the defensive end position. It will be interesting to see if this was a one game thing, if something happened to Soliai to make him miss time, or if the Dolphins are actually changing their scheme.

Thoughts: Misi continues to see fewer and fewer snaps, although he did come away with 1.5 sacks yesterday. Burnett and Dansby, however, continue to play every snap.

Thoughts: The safeties each played 100% of the game. Not a lot to say.

[Picture Credits: Defensive line picture courtesy Matt Kartozian-USPRESSWIRE 9/30/12; Koa Misi and Cameron Wake picture courtesy Matt Kartozian-USPRESSWIRE 9/30/12; Nolan Carroll picture courtesy Matt Kartozian-USPRESSWIRE 9/30/12; Reshad Jones and Chris Clemons picture courtesy Matt Kartozian-USPRESSWIRE 9/30/12]