Emmanuel Ogbah says sky is the limit for Dolphins new and improved defense

Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah has spent the past three seasons chasing down quarterbacks for Miami. The Miami defense has fluctuated in its efficiency during those chaotic three seasons that include three winning seasons but only one playoff appearance.

But Ogbah thinks that is going to change. Former Denver Broncos head coach and AP Assistant Coach of the Year Vic Fangio has been hired as the team’s defensive coordinator. The Dolphins have added players like linebacker David Long Jr. and cornerback Cam Smith in free agency and through the draft.

It all adds up to a defense Ogbah thinks has a lot of potential heading into the 2023 season.

“I’ll say we can be as good as we want to be. I’m excited about this defense,” Ogbah told NFL reporter Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. “We’ve got Vic coaching us up. I can’t wait. It’s been a long time coming. This year, I feel like this is the year. We can be as good as we want to be. I’m ready to go out there and dominate.”

Ogbah was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the No. 32 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played three seasons with the Browns and then one year with the Kansas City Chiefs. After the 2019 season, when Kansas City won the Super Bowl but Ogbah didn’t play due to injury, he signed with the Dolphins.

He had nine sacks in each of his first two seasons with the team but his numbers dropped in 2022. He had only one sack in nine games before missing the rest of the season with a triceps injury.

For his career, Ogbah has 37.0 sacks in 92 games with 70 starts. He also has 248 tackles with 92 quarterback hits.

“It’s all about healthy. This game’s all about being healthy. I’m excited. I’ve been doing the right things with my body, taking care of my body, just making sure I’m ready and fit to last the whole season,” Ogbah said.

The Dolphins finished the 2022 season — the first one under Mike McDaniel — with a 9-8 record and Wild Card berth out of the AFC East. The team lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round.

It was the team’s first playoff appearance since 2016.

Ogbah has never played in a playoff game.