The Miami Dolphins signed linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. this offseason, and recently he's been thrusted into the starting lineup. Although Miami had David Long Jr. coming off of a fine 2023 season, he was recently benched and then released last week, opening further opportunity for Walker.
The season began with Walker limited to special teams snaps the first two weeks, and saw some defensive action Week 3 in 16 snaps.
It was a Week 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans where Walker first started over Long, and played well. Although a loss, Walker tallied nine total tackles. Fast forward to Week 9 against Buffalo, Walker earned another start. He has started the last three games including Sunday's 34-19 win over the Raiders.
He has 29 tackles and an interception in Miami's latest trio of games, playing 100% of the snaps against the Bills, 99% the following week in Los Angeles in a win over the Rams, and 98% against Las Vegas.
Walker spoke with South Florida media Monday and was asked about his elevation to the starting group. "Just try to do my job," he said. "As a Mike linebacker, you’ve got to control the tempo, control the calms and keep everybody calm in each situation and then the communication, make sure my communication is up to par so that the guys can execute and we all execute and do our job on the same page," he explained.
His job has helped keep opponents under 100 rushing yards in each of his recent three starts as well as Week 8 against Arizona. Walker explained how Miami's defensive has been able to accomplish this saying: "Just guys just executing, doing their job."
He elaborated saying: "That’s all run game is, just being in your position so whether you make the play or another guy makes the play, it doesn’t hit in your gap or… yeah, basically." Walker then held back on the detail, saying: "Don’t want to say too much,” with a little laughter.
The Dolphins are ranked ninth against the run and Walker explained the teams recent improvement in that area saying: "Just a collective unit playing together, understanding what we’re trying to get accomplished from ‘Weave’ [Anthony Weaver] calling it to the assistant coaches implementing it, executing it with individual drills and all that and meeting rooms."
Walker looks to continue his solid play, and on the season has 46 total tackles, two passes defended, and recorded a quarterback hurry and pressure. He and Miami next face the 3-8 New England Patriots at home at Hard Rock Stadium this coming Sunday.
