Miami Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver wants to bring the Ravens mentality

It's no secret that Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has a lot of admiration for the Baltimore Ravens, the team he played and coached for for years.

But as he begins his new role in Miami, Weaver believes the Dolphins have the potential to build a defense with the same “Dawg mentality” that has characterized the Ravens' success for decades – Baltimore finished in the top 10 in total defense 18 times in the 24 seasons of the 2000s, including 10 in the top five.

Weaver knows what makes Baltimore's defense so unique, but also recognizes the similarities in how his new defensive unit can match that intensity and set the tone on game day.

“I think there is so much deeply rooted in the [Ravens] “We're building off of that 2000 Super Bowl team and the fabric of that team. You can still feel it when you walk between those walls,” said Weaver, who played for Baltimore from 2002-05 and was an assistant coach from 2021-23. “We're working toward that. I think we have the men in that locker room to do that.”

The Ravens defense has long been known for its physicality, versatility and ability to close out games.

Weaver wants to instill that mentality in the Dolphins, a team that finished 20th in points allowed last season but that he believes has the personnel skills to significantly improve.

“That's the way it is in Baltimore because they got the job done in 2000,” Weaver said. “We've got everybody in this building that has that kind of buddy mentality. But at the end of the day, you've got to win it all if you want it to last.”

Weaver believes Miami's defense can reach the next level by adopting some of the core principles that made Baltimore's defense so formidable.

A key to the success of Baltimore's defense is its versatility, particularly the ability to use different personnel packages to keep the offense guessing.

Weaver emphasized how important this adaptability is, especially when dealing with injuries.

“At some point you're definitely going to see a three-safety combination,” Weaver said. “We want our best 11 on the field and one of those guys has to be there.”

Weaver said his experience calling plays for the first time in Houston in 2020 prepared him for this new role. He credited his time in Baltimore with honing his knowledge and leadership skills, which he learned from former Texans head coach and longtime defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

“In 2021, I turned down a coordinator position in Baltimore because I knew I lacked the knowledge of the game systems,” Weaver said. “Baltimore has defended really well for several years and I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared for the next opportunity.”

For Weaver, it's not just about the odd X and O – it's about establishing a culture that demands excellence in every game.

“We're working toward it,” he said. “But it starts with having the mindset to finish it, just like Baltimore did in 2000. We have the players to get it done. Now it's about getting it done on the field.”

Weaver knows he inherited a Dolphins defense that ranked third in the NFL last season with 56 sacks, 10th in yards allowed per game and 12th in turnovers (25), but his goal is to transform the unit into one that can compete at the highest level and possess the attitude and resilience that made his former team a defensive force for over two decades.

For the Dolphins, it's about embracing that “Dawg mentality” and, as Weaver said, getting the job done.