Linebacker Shuffle: Anthony Walker Jr. steps in, leads Dolphins in tackles

The Miami Dolphins needed to make a change at inside linebacker.

The Miami Dolphins made a change at inside linebacker for the game against the Buffalo Bills, opting for former Cleveland Browns captain Anthony Walker Jr. over David Long Jr. Walker made the most of his opportunity, leading the team with 10 tackles while playing 100 percent of defensive snaps.

“We needed to get him on the field a little bit more,” coach Mike McDaniel said Sunday. “It’s something that we collectively thought gave us the best chance to win against this particular opponent, which is the compass for all decisions made on all playing time is from the team perspective.

“I thought before watching the tape, it seemed like he added some value to the whole defense, but we’ll check out his play when I comb the tape here coming on the flight.”

The Bills targeted Miami’s linebackers heavily, with running backs Ray Davis and James Cook, along with tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, accounting for 20 of Josh Allen’s 39 passing attempts. Walker was targeted eight times in coverage, allowing seven receptions for 62 yards, according to PFF.

Though frequently targeted, Walker limited big plays, allowing only 30 yards after the catch. This was a step in the right direction from last week, when Kyler Murray completed all eight passes targeting Long for 93 yards, including 45 after the catch, during Miami’s 28-27 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

Long logged 113 tackles and nine tackles for a loss while starting 17 games last season, but has been a weak link recently, missing a combined seven tackles against the Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. Through six games this season, Long has already missed 14 tackles after averaging just one missed tackle per game last season.

“I think it’s been a good transition,” Brooks said Tuesday. “I thought ‘Walk’ came in and played great, communicated well for us, kind of got everybody settled down. And as far as reaction, I don’t think it’s been any reaction. Nothing crazy, it’s been all love in the linebacker room.

“Everybody supporting each other and so I think it’s been a good transition.”