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NFL

Dolphins DC Coyle takes responsibility for defensive woes

By FoxSports
Published | Updated
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Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Miami Dolphins defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Few things have been more surprising than the Miami Dolphins' defensive struggles through three games. The Dolphins are last in the league with just one sack this season, and Ndamukong Suh has underperformed in a huge way.

After Miami signed Suh, its defensive line was expected to be one of the best in the NFL. That's hardly the case. The defense has failed to generate any pressure on quarterbacks and its forced just two turnovers in three games. By comparison, the New York Jets lead the league with 11 forced turnovers, with five coming in each of the first two games.

Suh and the front four is to blame to an extent -- given the talent up front -- but in the end, it falls on the entire defense. Defensive coordinator is shocked by the slow start by the Dolphins' defense.

"No. I couldn't imagine that, but that's the reality of what it is and that's my job," Coyle said via James Walker of ESPN. "I take responsibility for that. It's on my shoulders. It's my job to make sure we are playing winning defense and I've got to get that done. I'm disappointed, but I'm mostly disappointed in myself."

Coyle has yet to get the defense on track, but he'll get his next shot on Sunday in London against the sputtering Jets. If the Dolphins hope to have any success this season, they'll need to stop opposing offenses.

Head coach Joe Philbin has faith in the defense, and more importantly in his defensive coordinator.

"I believe in the coaching staff that I have in place right now," Philbin said. "I think they're the men that can come up with the solutions to the problems. We're not playing well. Let's stick to the process and development."