Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins

In the aftermath of a turbulent bye week that brought injuries, suspensions, and coaching disruptions, the Miami Dolphins found a much-needed boost of positivity on Wednesday: safety Jevon Holland was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his dominant performance in the team’s 27-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Holland’s standout showing—including two interceptions, a forced fumble, and 11 total tackles—played a pivotal role in slowing down the Eagles’ high-powered offense and helping the Dolphins maintain their lead in the AFC East. The award marks the first time Holland has earned weekly honors in his three-year NFL career, and it comes at a critical moment for a Dolphins defense that has been tested by recent losses to key players. Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins breaks down Holland’s award-winning game, his growth as a player, the impact of his performance on team morale, and what it means for the Dolphins’ defensive outlook moving forward.

Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins first shines a light on Holland’s game-changing plays against the Eagles. The 24-year-old safety wasted no time making his presence felt: in the first quarter, he intercepted Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the end zone, halting a Philadelphia drive that had advanced to Miami’s 10-yard line and preserving a 7-0 Dolphins lead. In the third quarter, with the Eagles threatening to tie the game, Holland forced a fumble from running back D’Andre Swift near midfield; the Dolphins recovered the ball and later scored a touchdown to extend their lead to 20-10. His second interception came in the fourth quarter, when he picked off a Hurts pass intended for wide receiver A.J. Brown and returned it 22 yards, setting up a field goal that sealed the win. Holland’s 11 tackles—including 8 solo stops—also made him the Dolphins’ leading tackler in the game, a rare feat for a safety. “Jevon was everywhere on Sunday,” said Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. “He made plays in coverage, he made plays against the run, and he made plays that changed the momentum of the game. That’s the kind of performance that wins awards, and it’s exactly what we needed from him after the bye week.”

To understand why Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins is such a significant milestone for Holland, look at his growth since joining the Dolphins as a second-round draft pick in 2022. In his rookie season, Holland showed promise with 69 tackles and 2 interceptions, but he struggled with consistency in coverage. Last year, he took a step forward, recording 86 tackles and 3 interceptions, but he still hadn’t emerged as a true game-changer. This season, however, Holland has elevated his play to new heights: through 11 games, he has 78 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 8 pass deflections, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top young safeties. His ability to play both free safety and strong safety—along with his knack for making clutch plays—has been invaluable for the Dolphins, especially with the defense dealing with injuries to Jaelan Phillips and Zach Sieler. “Jevon has worked so hard to get to this point,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “He’s spent hours studying film, he’s stayed late after practice to work on his craft, and he’s taken on a leadership role in our secondary. This award is a testament to his dedication, and it’s well-deserved.”

Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins also comes at a critical time for team morale, which had been shaken by the bye week’s setbacks. The Dolphins entered the Eagles game with questions about their defense’s ability to stop elite offenses, and there was lingering uncertainty about how the team would respond to adversity. Holland’s performance not only answered those questions—it also gave the team a much-needed confidence boost. After the game, veteran cornerback Xavien Howard praised Holland for setting the tone for the defense. “Jevon’s play on Sunday was contagious,” Howard said. “When you see a guy making plays like that, it makes everyone else want to step up. He gave us energy, he gave us confidence, and he showed us that we can still be a great defense even when we’re missing key players.” For the Miami Dolphins, this morale boost could be just as important as the win itself, as the team heads into a tough stretch of games against divisional rivals like the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. “This award isn’t just for Jevon—it’s for the entire defense,” Boyer said. “It’s a reminder that we have the talent and the resilience to overcome obstacles, and that’s something we can build on for the rest of the season.”

Another layer of Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins is the recognition it brings to the Dolphins’ defensive system, which has been criticized at times this season for its inconsistency. Holland’s success is a reflection of the system’s ability to put players in position to make plays, as well as the coaching staff’s ability to develop young talent. Boyer’s scheme emphasizes versatility and aggression from the secondary, and Holland—with his speed, football IQ, and playmaking ability—has thrived in that environment. “Our system is designed to let players use their strengths, and Jevon’s strengths are making plays on the ball and being a physical tackler,” Boyer explained. “We’ve given him more freedom this season to read and react, and he’s taken advantage of that. This award is a win for Jevon, but it’s also a win for our coaching staff and our entire defensive unit.” For the Miami Dolphins, Holland’s award is a validation of their approach to building a defense that can compete with the NFL’s best offenses—a goal that seemed uncertain just a week earlier. “We’ve always believed in our system, and we’ve always believed in Jevon,” McDaniel said. “This award is proof that our hard work is paying off.”

The final dimension of Defensive Weekly Award Goes to Star of the Miami Dolphins is the long-term implications for Holland and the Dolphins. For Holland, the award is a sign that he has arrived as an elite NFL safety—a player who can be the face of the Dolphins’ defense for years to come. It also puts him in contention for Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, which would further solidify his status as one of the league’s top defensive players. For the Dolphins, Holland’s emergence is a key piece of their plan to build a sustainable championship contender. With young talent like Holland, Howard, and cornerback Kader Kohou in the secondary, the Dolphins have a foundation for a dominant defense that can complement their high-powered offense. “Jevon is just getting started,” said Dolphins general manager Chris Grier. “He’s a young player with a lot of room to grow, and we’re excited to see what he can do in the years ahead. This award is just the first of many for him, I’m sure.” As the Dolphins prepare for their next game against the Bills, Holland’s award serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, great players can rise to the occasion. For the Miami Dolphins, that’s a lesson that will serve them well as they chase their first AFC East title since 2008 and their first Super Bowl appearance since 1984. “We’re not done yet,” Holland said after receiving the award. “This is a great honor, but our goal is to win a championship. We have a lot of work left to do, and I’m ready to keep leading this defense every step of the way.”