When the
Dolphins intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback
Ben Roethlisberger two times and sacked Buffalo quarterback
Tyrod Taylor four times, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph didn't bat an eye.
"I'm not surprised that we're playing well the last two weeks," Joseph said. "That's what we're expecting. Our front four should be a good unit. That's why they're here.
"I'm not surprised that Cam [Wake] and
Andre [Branch] and
Mario [Williams] are playing good. And obviously [
Ndamukong] Suh has played well all year. So, that's expected."
The big question as the season progresses after the bye week is whether the Dolphins (3-4) can continue to meet Joseph's high expectations on defense, and maintain something close to this pace, especially with
Pro Bowl safety
Reshad Jones (shoulder) out for the season.
The fact that the front four — led by ends Wake (3 sacks), Branch (3 sacks) and Williams, and tackle Suh (3.5 sacks) — has anchored the two-game defensive surge is promising. And that part of the defense seems most sustainable because of those players' proven
NFL history.