Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins’ dominant defensive performance in the 2027 NFL season has earned national recognition, with defensive end Bradley Chubb being named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December. Chubb, who joined the Dolphins in a 2022 trade, has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense all season, but his December stretch— which included 4 sacks, 12 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery— cemented his status as one of the league’s top pass rushers. The honor marks the first time a Dolphins defensive player has won the monthly award since 2020, and it comes at a critical time as the team fights for a playoff spot. Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins explores Chubb’s award-winning performance, its impact on the Dolphins, and what it says about the team’s defensive resurgence.

Chubb’s December performance was nothing short of dominant, as he emerged as the driving force behind the Dolphins’ ability to shut down opposing offenses. In the Dolphins’ Week 14 win over the Jets, Chubb recorded 2 sacks and forced a fumble that led to a game-sealing touchdown— helping Miami hold New York to just 10 points. He followed that up with a 1-sack, 4-tackle performance in Week 15 against the Bills, where he consistently pressured Josh Allen and limited the Bills’ passing attack to just 210 yards. But Chubb’s most impressive game came in Week 16 against the Commanders, when he notched 1 sack, 3 tackles, and a fumble recovery that set up a Dolphins field goal in a 23-21 win. What makes Chubb’s performance even more notable is his ability to impact the game beyond sacks— he’s also been a key run stopper, helping the Dolphins rank 8th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game in December. “Bradley has been incredible this month,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “He’s not just getting sacks; he’s making plays that change the momentum of games. He’s the kind of player every defense wants leading the way.” Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins frames Chubb’s December stretch as a masterclass in defensive dominance.

The honor is particularly meaningful for Chubb, who has overcome injuries and high expectations to become a leader for the Dolphins’ defense. After missing 12 games in 2023 with a knee injury, Chubb returned in 2024 determined to prove he could still be an elite pass rusher— a goal he’s exceeded, recording a career-high 12 sacks this season. Off the field, Chubb has also emerged as a vocal leader, working with young defensive linemen like Jaelan Phillips and rookie defensive tackle Zion Nelson to help them refine their skills. “This award isn’t just for me; it’s for the entire defense,” Chubb said in a press conference after winning the honor. “The guys up front are doing a great job of keeping blockers off me, and the secondary is making plays that force quarterbacks to hold the ball longer. It’s a team effort, and I’m just glad I can contribute.” Chubb’s humility and team-first attitude have made him a fan favorite in Miami, with fans often chanting his name during home games at Hard Rock Stadium. Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins highlights how Chubb’s journey back to elite status has made the award even more special.

For the Miami Dolphins, Chubb’s honor is a testament to the team’s defensive transformation under Fangio, who joined the team in 2026. When Fangio arrived, the Dolphins’ defense ranked 22nd in the NFL in total yards allowed; this season, they’ve jumped to 7th, thanks in large part to their improved pass rush and run defense. Chubb’s success has been a big part of that turnaround, as his ability to pressure quarterbacks has forced opposing offenses to adjust their game plans— creating opportunities for other defensive players to make plays. For example, since Chubb’s December hot streak, the Dolphins’ secondary has recorded 5 interceptions, as quarterbacks have rushed throws to avoid being sacked by Chubb. “Bradley’s presence makes everyone else better,” Fangio said. “When he’s getting to the quarterback, it makes the secondary’s job easier, and it makes the run defense better because offenses can’t focus on just stopping the run. He’s a catalyst for our entire defense.” For the Miami Dolphins, Chubb’s award is a sign that their defensive rebuild is working— and that they have the pieces to compete with the NFL’s top offenses in the playoffs. Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins examines how Chubb’s success reflects the team’s overall defensive growth.

The timing of Chubb’s honor couldn’t be better for the Miami Dolphins, as it comes just weeks before the start of the playoffs. The award has already provided a boost to the team’s morale, with players and coaches citing it as evidence that their hard work is paying off. In practice this week, the defense has been even more focused, with players pushing each other to match Chubb’s level of intensity. “Seeing Bradley get recognized like this makes us all want to step up our game,” Dolphins safety Jevon Holland said. “We know that if we can keep playing at this level, we can make a deep playoff run. This award is a reminder of what we’re capable of.” The Dolphins’ offense has also taken note of the defense’s success, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa saying that Chubb’s performance has given the offense more confidence. “When the defense is playing like that, it takes pressure off us,” Tagovailoa said. “We know that if we can put up points, the defense will hold the other team down. It’s a great feeling to have that kind of support.” For the Miami Dolphins, Chubb’s honor has become a unifying force— bringing the offense and defense together as they prepare for the postseason. Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins explores how the award has boosted team morale at a critical time.

Looking ahead, Chubb’s honor could have long-term implications for the Miami Dolphins, as it solidifies the team’s status as a destination for top defensive talent. Chubb, who is under contract through 2029, has already said he wants to finish his career in Miami, and his success could help the Dolphins attract other elite defensive players in free agency. Additionally, Chubb’s performance has set a high standard for the team’s young defensive players, showing them what it takes to be an elite NFL player. “Bradley is setting an example for our young guys,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said. “He works hard every day, he’s a great teammate, and he’s committed to winning. That’s the kind of culture we’re building here, and Bradley is leading the way.” For the Miami Dolphins, Chubb’s AFC Defensive Player of the Month award is more than just a individual honor— it’s a sign that the team is on the right track, both now and in the future. Defensive Standout Honored in AFC for the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while the award is a celebration of Chubb’s success, it’s also a testament to the Dolphins’ commitment to building a championship-caliber defense.