Panic time for Dolphins offensive line?

With the Miami Dolphins first preseason game on the horizon, a cloud of uncertainty looms over many positions of contention. None more than the offensive line which has received dreadful reviews from the beat writers since training camp opened.

Over the past few days, the Dolphins coaching staff went full blown dart board mode on the offensive line. Jeff Linkenbach and Dallas Thomas played some left tackle and the two guard positions became a rotating door for whoever could shine. No one did and the two guard spots are easily the weakest links on the team.

How weak? When asked about if the offensive line was the biggest weakness on the team. Here’s what undisputed leader and best offensive lineman, Mike Pouncey said.

"“Obviously. I’m just trying to encourage these guys every day so I don’t have to move back to guard.”"

Whether that comment is a little tongue-in-cheek is irrelevant. Pouncey didn’t politic at all in his response. The team knows the offensive line is a problem and the question arises how they’ll perform against the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.

It’s too easy to smash the panic button now. There’s no reason to be concerned just yet. How the line plays against Chicago will determine whether the line is simply a victim of practicing against some elite defensive linemen or truly as bad as advertised.

Meanwhile, all the moving parts going on at left tackle and the guard positions have undercut the steady progress Branden Albert is making. He’s slowly made his way back to doing some drills albeit at a much slower pace. However, the slow and steady progress is one of the few beacons of hope shining through this offensive line.

Mike Pouncey has been very good so far this training camp, but would Dolphins fans expect anything less?

Ja’Wuan James also been very good as he has been mostly invisible to the beat writers thus far. Except when he gets into a fight or is flat out beat on a drill or practice.

Linkenbach is proving himself to be quite the versatile lineman. He’s moved from guard to tackle back to guard and looked decent in both spots. No one has had much negative reporting on Linkenbach.

Thomas returned to practice this past weekend, but the competition continues to grow as the Dolphins released their first depth chart. While it has Thomas and Turner listed as the starters, that can easily change.

One player who has been sneaking into the race is Jacques McClendon, who has played some guard on the first team despite being listed as the fourth string center. The beat writers haven’t singled him out much in a negative sense. Perhaps he could make a push for a spot?

Jason Fox may play a role in the competition as well. If Albert is healthy and the team likes Fox enough to keep playing him, sneaking him in at guard could be the way to go.

It’ll be interesting to evaluate the linemen competing for the guard positions against the Bears. It may be “prove-it or move-it” time as reports indicate Evan Mathis may soon be signing a contract.

Is this vague omen about Miami or some other desperate team? That remains to be seen. Hence why the performance of Turner, Thomas, Douglas, Linkenbach and others will be vital tomorrow night.

Yes, something will be vital in a preseason game and after seeing it, you’ll know whether or not to panic.