GARDENS IN MIAMI Let’s do something we don’t do very often and give a little shoutout to the Miami Dolphins offensive line, who have been the object of fan ire for, well, let’s say, years.
Despite not playing at their best, the offensive line—a much-maligned unit that is still my favorite on the team because they are so affable—had a strong day on Saturday in both run blocking and pass protection.
Yes, I did say that the offensive line, which I continue to believe has the least depth since coach Mike McDaniel’s time, had a successful day.
Do you want an example? Here’s one.
Halfway through Saturday’s fourth training camp practice, Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson, with his lightning-fast first step, exploded off the line of scrimmage and was heading straight for the quarterback. The edge rushers had accumulated sack after sack over three training camp practices, so it looked like it might be another sack.
Right tackle then Austin Jackson quietly positioned his body with his feet and then quickly jabbed Robinson to the outside with his hands, removing any chance of a sack without breaking a sweat.
The Dolphins would like to see this from their pass protection group because during organized team activities, minicamp, and the first three days of training camp, the edge rushers had been burning down their offensive line. It was not a play in which he was beaten to the ground. It was a clever and successful move.
On Saturday, the offensive line—whose primary responsibility is to keep quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright—was equally successful at blocking runs. They made room for a number of strong runs from running backs like Alexander Mattison, Jaylen Wright, and De Von Achane.
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Even some between-the-tackles runs, which are uncommon from this system, were made possible by the interior offensive line, which consists of rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, right guards James Daniels and Kion Smith, and center Andrew Meyer.
“You can anticipate a lot of speed and strength because we’re young in the interior and very athletic,” Jackson said.
None of this, of course, implies that the offensive line won’t be a problem this season.
These triumphs were, after all, achieved without pads.
We won’t be able to truly assess the offensive line’s abilities until Tuesday, when the Dolphins will begin pad practice.
Indeed, despite Saturday’s two arrivals, the offensive line—and particularly the cornerbacks—remains the team’s second-biggest worry after the secondary.
I am, however, prepared to give credit where credit is due.
The offensive line’s performance on Saturday would suggest that this group will manage to get the job done, even if it’s not always pretty.
Alright, let’s assume that they might manage to complete the task. Perhaps.
It’s too soon to say for sure.
Still, there was cause for optimism on Saturday.
Recall that Meyer started at center instead of backup Liam Eichenberg, who is out for a week due to a physical unable to perform injury, and normal starter Aaron Brewer, who is recuperating from a soft tissue injury.
Additionally, Smith was frequently used in lieu of Daniels on the offensive line. Daniels is now rehabbing from an Achilles injury that kept him out of four games with Pittsburgh last season.
Paul, Savaiinaea, and Jackson all held their ground. However, there were some different faces at center and right guard.
In spite of this, the offensive line was so strong that Achane wore the orange jersey to Saturday’s practice, signifying that he had been named the practice’s player of the day.
To be honest, I’m still concerned that the offensive line’s quickness and agility will be utilized more than their road grading abilities.
For years, I’ve argued for a more physical run game, but whenever people are asked what they can anticipate from the run game, they tend to focus more on speed and agility than power.
“Not much has changed, aside from a few new plays,” Jackson added. In the end, it’s all up to (coach) Mike (McDaniel). Mike and Frank (Smith), the offensive coordinator, are his go-to plays. After completing this camp and determining our strengths, we will proceed accordingly.
That’s all you can expect from this diligent team.
