Miami Dolphins: Offensive line not helping anyone
By Sean Denison
It appears that the Miami Dolphins have found their missing ingredient on defense: Ndamukong Suh. Suh—and the rest of the Dolphins defense—has been the talk around South Florida since training camp started last week. Although it’s nice to see the defense get back to the level of play we all know it’s capable of, it’s hard not to get discouraged about how the offensive line has performed thus far in training camp. As of right now, the offensive line continues to be the weakest link for this team moving forward. If Miami wants to accomplish their goal of producing the first winning season in six years, it’s crucial that they address this area before the start of the regular season—particularly at guard.
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The o-line holds the key to that special magical place full of hope, excitement, and satisfaction: the playoffs. With the assumption that left tackle Branden Albert will fully heal from his knee injury, and the fact that Ja’Wuan James will continue his impressive play into his second NFL season, it appears that the Dolphins have the two tackle positions set. At center, dawning his permanent smile that stretches from ear-to-ear, Mike Pouncey gives the Dolphins the assurance that an all-pro captains their offensive line. The trouble, however, appears to be in the interior; the two guard positions continue to be the team’s biggest area of concern.
Being stuck in a division with the reigning Super Bowl champions and two of the most ferocious defensive fronts in the league, Miami doesn’t have time to sit back and hope for the best if they want to win, and win now. The competition, or lack thereof, for the two starting guard spots are between Billy Turner, Dallas Thomas, and rookie Jamil Douglas. Because of the struggles, particularly at the guard position, the offense has had trouble getting into rhythm. Tannehill has been forced to get rid of the ball more quickly and has already become noticeably agitated with the offensive line due to his pocket continuously collapsing.
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With the guard play struggling, that spells trouble for the Dolphins offense—particularly in the running game. The running game can offer this team more balance on offense this year, and they have the personnel to be successful. We understand starting running back Lamar Miller’s ability and what he brings to this offense, but the remaining pieces to this backfield is what intrigues the coaches and front office the most. With the nimble feet and surprise play of La’Michael James so far in camp, the Dolphins have witnessed a strong asset in their possession—all of which should come to no surprise considering James’s was a Heisman trophy candidate in college.
Bill Lazor said the thing he likes about LaMichael James the most is that he sticks his foot in the ground & goes. Phins hate dancing backs
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 4, 2015
With the surprise play of James, and the known capability of Lamar Miller, these two speedy backs go together nicely with the addition of the bigger, more physical runner, rookie Jay Ajayi. As of right now, the Dolphins are loaded with the talent and personnel needed to strive in Bill Lazor’s offense. But if the Dolphins can’t fix their offensive line troubles, you can say bye bye to what the Dolphins “could do” and hello to another lackluster line—ultimately being the demise, once again, for this offense.
A running game is a quarterback’s and defense’s best friend. With the ability to kill time, open up play-action, and give the big fellas on the defense more time to rest on the sideline, it’s crucial to be able to move the ball on the ground in this league. As training camp continues, the only hope we have is for this o-line to use the strength of going up against this Dolphins defensive line to push themselves, ultimately making them better once they go up against inferior competition. If not, bring on Evan Mathis.