MIAMI GARDENS — It’s occurring once more.
That queasy feeling in regards to the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line is re-surfacing. It’s a sinking feeling. It’s a well-known feeling. And it’s adopted by that query.
Will the Dolphins ever get their offensive line proper?
Nicely, to be sincere the Dolphins really may need been on their option to doing that this 12 months. I can see the upside of those projected starters on the offensive line, if it’s wholesome and intact. And I prefer it. It has an opportunity to be good. There’s promise. Potential. Expertise.
However, as regular, there’s one thing flawed.
Now the problem is correct deal with Austin Jackson, the person who protects quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind aspect.
Jackson, who missed the second half of final season with a knee harm, is predicted to be sidelined for weeks with what’s been described as a decrease extremity harm after he obtained stepped on throughout apply.
There’s hope he’ll be again in time for the Sept. 7 opener at Indianapolis, so the scenario isn’t bleak. However Jackson will probably be missed. And that is positively a setback for the offense.
To be clear, Jackson’s absence doesn’t actually jeopardize Tua as a result of Tua will most likely solely play one or two possessions in a preseason sport, making it the one time he’d be uncovered to precise hits. Quarterbacks don’t get hit at any time throughout coaching camp apart from in exhibition video games.
However Jackson’s absence may nonetheless presumably gradual progress within the passing sport from the standpoint of communication in cross safety.
His absence additionally presumably delays progress within the operating sport. Jackson is without doubt one of the Dolphins’ greatest run blockers.
However think about the larger image.
It took years for the Dolphins to determine to “make investments” within the offensive line, as common supervisor Chris Grier described it this offseason.
And now you see proof that the Dolphins, whose philosophy has switched from “win now” to “construct with youth and draftees,” are setting up a homegrown offensive line.
Among the many Dolphins’ projected beginning offensive line of middle Aaron Brewer, left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, proper guard James Daniels, left deal with Patrick Paul and Jackson, three of these linemen — Savaiinaea, Jackson and Paul — had been drafted by Miami.
There’s a blueprint right here.
Philadelphia, the Tremendous Bowl champions, and Detroit, two groups considered having distinctive offensive strains, have draft-and-develop methods.
The Eagles drafted 4 of the 5 offensive line starters who performed within the Tremendous Bowl, they usually drafted all 5 of their projected starters this 12 months.
The Lions drafted all 5 of their starters who performed of their divisional spherical playoff loss final 12 months, they usually drafted all 5 of their projected starters this 12 months.
After watching 10 coaching camp practices, I’ve a rising sentiment that the Dolphins’ beginning offensive line could possibly be good this 12 months if it stays wholesome.
Savaiinaea, a 2025 second-round decide, and Paul, a 2024 second-round decide, are forming a brick wall of youth. Brewer, undersized however aggressive, may be the perfect returnee, all issues thought-about. Daniels and Jackson are veterans who determine to mow down defenders within the run sport.
However well being issues have prevented all 5 from being on the sphere on the identical time.
When the Dolphins reported to coaching camp a bit greater than every week in the past Brewer was sidelined with a delicate tissue harm. He returned Saturday, however Jackson was gone.
Clearly, this isn’t good.
Offensive strains want time to bond, to speak.
“You need the beginning 5 to be collectively as a lot as doable,” Brewer mentioned, “however within the NFL it’s a 100% harm price. So that you want all people on the workforce — starters, backups, whoever — to all the time keep prepared.”
I’m not anticipating a lot at proper deal with from whoever replaces Jackson whether or not it’s Larry Borom, Kion Smith, Jalen McKenzie, newly-signed Germain Ifedi or anybody else.
There’s an opportunity one among them surprises me. Smith most likely has the perfect likelihood.
However they’ve all struggled in coaching camp in each 1-on-1 drills and 11-on-11s. Typically it’s been ugly.
On this case, don’t hate the participant, hate the sport.
Though the Dolphins determined to “make investments” of their offensive line they didn’t go far sufficient.
They signed Daniels and drafted Savaiinaea. However they didn’t add sufficient high quality depth.
Frankly, I don’t belief the offensive line depth.
There’s not a lot they will do about it now. That’s the best way it goes for this season. The Dolphins had too many holes to fill on their roster other than the offensive line.
Consequently, their offensive line depth is horrifying unhealthy.
No matter.
The Dolphins have an opportunity to get the beginning offensive line proper this season.
And let’s face it, the Dolphins’ offensive line success is immediately tied into the 5 starters staying fairly wholesome.
Sure, there are causes for concern on that entrance.
Along with lacking half the season final 12 months, Jackson missed many of the 2022 season with an ankle harm.
Daniels solely performed 4 video games final season earlier than happening with an Achilles harm.
However that’s wanting on the detrimental. Let’s have a look at the optimistic.
There’s motive for hope.
If this offensive line of Brewer, Savaiinaea, Daniels, Paul and Jackson can keep wholesome, it has an opportunity to be good.
However, as historical past tells us, that’s a giant “if.”
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