Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins’ Week 12 performance in the 2028 NFL season was already a cause for celebration— a 27-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens that snapped a two-game losing streak— but it became even more memorable when linebacker Jerome Baker was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Baker’s dominant showing against the Ravens— 12 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble— not only anchored the Dolphins’ defense but also solidified his status as one of the league’s most versatile defensive playmakers. For a Dolphins team fighting to climb the AFC East standings, the award served as a timely boost, highlighting the strength of their defense and reigniting momentum for a potential playoff push. Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins breaks down Baker’s award-winning performance, its impact on the team, and why it marked a turning point in their season.

Baker’s Week 12 performance was a masterclass in all-around linebacker play, with every stat telling a story of how he controlled the game. Early in the first quarter, he sacked Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for a 10-yard loss, forcing Baltimore to punt and setting up the Dolphins’ first scoring drive. In the second quarter, he intercepted a Jackson pass intended for tight end Mark Andrews, returning it 18 yards to the Ravens’ 25-yard line— a turnover that led to a Dolphins field goal. But his most critical play came in the third quarter, when he forced a fumble from Ravens running back Gus Edwards near the Dolphins’ goal line, preventing a potential touchdown and preserving Miami’s 10-point lead. “Jerome was everywhere on Sunday,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “He stopped the run, rushed the passer, and made a key interception— that’s the kind of versatility you need from a linebacker in this defense. He didn’t just make plays; he changed the outcome of the game.” Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins frames Baker’s performance as a defining example of how a single player can elevate an entire defense.

What made the award even more meaningful for Baker and the Dolphins was the timing of his breakout game. Entering Week 12, the Dolphins’ defense had been inconsistent— allowing 24 or more points in four of their previous six games— and Baker himself had been dealing with a minor ankle injury that limited his production. But against the Ravens, he looked like the Pro Bowl-caliber player he was in 2026, silencing critics who had questioned whether he could return to his elite form. “I’ve been working hard to get back to this level, and it feels good to see it pay off,” Baker said in a post-game press conference. “The injury was frustrating, but the coaches and trainers helped me get healthy, and my teammates had my back. This award is for all of us— not just me.” The timing of the award also aligned with a critical stretch of the Dolphins’ schedule, with upcoming games against division rivals the Bills and Patriots. For a team looking to regain confidence, Baker’s performance and the accompanying award provided a much-needed morale boost. Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins explores how the timing of the honor amplified its impact.

For the Miami Dolphins, Baker’s Defensive Player of the Week award is a testament to the success of Fangio’s defensive scheme, which has transformed the team’s defense since he arrived in 2026. Fangio’s system emphasizes versatility from linebackers, asking them to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and stop the run— a role Baker was built for but struggled with early in the season due to injury. With Baker now back to full health, the scheme is working as intended, with him serving as the “quarterback” of the defense and making split-second decisions that disrupt opposing offenses. “Our scheme relies on linebackers who can do it all, and Jerome is the perfect fit,” Fangio said. “When he’s playing at this level, it makes everyone else on defense better— the defensive line can focus on rushing the passer, and the secondary can play more aggressively because they know Jerome has their back in coverage.” For the Miami Dolphins, Baker’s award is a sign that their defensive rebuild is on track, and that they have the pieces to compete with the NFL’s top offenses. Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins examines how the award reflects the success of the team’s defensive strategy.

The award has also had a ripple effect on the Miami Dolphins’ locker room, fostering a sense of unity and motivation as the team heads into the final stretch of the season. After the announcement, teammates took to social media to celebrate Baker, with defensive end Bradley Chubb posting a photo of the two together with the caption: “This guy is the heart of our defense— well deserved!” Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa also praised Baker, noting that his defense’s performance had made the offense’s job easier. “When Jerome and the defense are playing like that, it takes pressure off us,” Tagovailoa said. “We know that if we can put up points, they’ll hold the other team down. It’s a great feeling to have that kind of support.” The award has also inspired younger players on the defense, like rookie cornerback Zion Nelson, who has looked to Baker as a mentor. “Seeing Jerome win this award makes me want to work harder,” Nelson said. “He’s shown me what it takes to be an elite player in this league, and I want to follow in his footsteps.” For the Miami Dolphins, the camaraderie sparked by Baker’s award has strengthened the team’s bond at a critical time. Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins highlights how the honor has unified the team.

As the Miami Dolphins look ahead to the rest of the 2028 season, Baker’s Defensive Player of the Week award serves as both a milestone and a challenge. It’s a milestone because it validates the team’s defensive progress and Baker’s return to form, but it’s also a challenge to maintain that level of play in the weeks to come. With games against the Bills and Patriots still on the schedule, the Dolphins need Baker and the defense to stay consistent if they want to secure a playoff spot. Baker, for his part, is focused on building on his Week 12 performance, not resting on his laurels. “This award is great, but it’s just one week,” he said. “We have a lot more games to play, and I need to keep working hard to help this team win. The goal isn’t to win an award— it’s to win a championship.” For the Miami Dolphins, Baker’s mindset is exactly what they need as they push for a postseason berth. Defensive Award Highlights Week for the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while the award was a highlight of the week, the team’s true success will be measured by how they perform in the games that matter most.