AFC East

The Dolphins’ defense is nearing full strength. Will that lead to a breakthrough?

The Dolphins entered the season with expectations — internally and externally — of featuring a dominant defense alongside their explosive offense. However, the first seven games of the season have brought mixed results, with impressive outings against subpar offenses sandwiched between shaky performances against elite units and quarterbacks. The first two months of the season have been an adjustment for players operating with a new scheme and play-caller. But injuries have also sidelined key players for multiple games. The defense is nearing full strength, though, and could have its projected …