While the Miami Dolphins’ offensive performance may have been the talk of the league last week, as they became the first team to score at least 70 points since 1966, it was a complete win from the two main phases.
And, one big piece of Miami’s defensive success was safety Jevon Holland, who had a team-high eight tackles, two forced fumbles and a pass defensed.
Buy Dolphins TicketsSpeaking to the media on Thursday, Holland shared that PFF grades and Madden ratings don’t mean much to him. However, he does respect the weekly breakdown from former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger.
“Really the one that’s more important is what ‘Baldy’ thinks of me,” Holland said. “That’s the most important. He’s like the best analyst I’ve come across. I love what ‘Baldy’ says. If I’m in ‘Baldy’s’ breakdowns at the end of the week, then I know I did something right.”
Not long after, Baldinger posted a video of Holland’s film against the Broncos, that included the question of whether or not Holland is the league’s top safety.
.@MiamiDolphins is Jevon Holland the best safety in the @NFL ? Is there anything he doesn’t do well? Good test this weekend @BuffaloBills #finsup #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/yPxOty4c9t
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 28, 2023
Throughout the breakdown, Baldinger highlights Holland’s willingness to tackle, ability to bring down an elusive runner, play recognition, range and relentlessness.
His instincts, intelligence and leadership on the field make him an incredible asset to Vic Fangio’s defense, and they also make it not unreasonable for Baldinger’s claim of “maybe the best free safety in football” to be true.