Malaki Starks, Mike Green, and Teddye Buchanan are carrying a heavy load, but Head Coach John Harbaugh isn't worried about them hitting the proverbial rookie wall.
Starks has played the most defensive snaps on the team (538) while starting from Day 1 at safety. Buchanan became a starter in Week 2 and has played 76% of the defensive snaps, while edge rusher Mike Green (63%) has seen his role increase since the Ravens traded Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Harbaugh isn't concerned about them burning out during the second half of the season.
"I think those guys are in great shape, very focused, determined guys," Harbaugh said. "I see them continuing to ascend. All those guys are getting better every day. I'm very confident that those guys are going to keep improving and just become better players for us as the season goes on.
"We're going to play them the reps that they've earned, that can help us win. Malaki is playing a lot. Mike Green has kind of taken a full-time role now, and he's handled it really well. We'll have to watch it, see how they do, but I haven't seen any signs yet of those guys having any issues with it."
Buchanan was named [NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/teddye-buchanan-defensive-rookie-of-month-october-ravens-dolphins-week-9) and leads the team in tackles with 63. With Roquan Smith back in the lineup after missing two games with a hamstring injury, Harbaugh believes Buchanan's energy will remain high.
"When 'Ro' was hurt, he was playing every snap and he was playing special teams," Harbaugh said of Buchanan. "He's actually had a little break in the last couple games since 'Ro' got back. He had the green dot, which is a lot of pressure. He's probably happy to have that off. He's another guy that learns, doesn't make mistakes twice. He continues to get better for that reason."
Buchanan helped contribute to a forced fumble in Miami and his improvement in pass coverage has particularly impressed Harbaugh.
"He's gotten way better at it," Harbaugh said. "The Dolphins stress that position quite a bit. I thought he did a pretty good job."