Will Miami Dolphins trust in Dallas Thomas pay off?

As Dallas Thomas entered the 2015 off-season, most if not all of the fan base and most in the media believed that he was the biggest liability on an offensive line that was considered the weakest unit on the offense. The call for releasing Thomas was almost as loud and no one believed that Thomas could hold down a position that wasn’t gift wrapped to him.

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In 2014 Dallas Thomas was often called a human turnstile but that was then and well, this is now. Will the Dolphins decision to stick with Thomas finally pay off? If his pre-season play is any indication the answer may very well be yes.

Thomas has looked very good this pre-season. He has started at both guard and left tackle. Last Saturday against the Atlanta Falcons Thomas moved to the left tackle spot vacated by the inactive and injured Jason Fox. It’s safe to say he did very well. With Fox returning and Branden Albert closing in on a full time return, Thomas will move back to guard.

Thomas has impressed in both phases of blocking, run and pass protection. While he still has a long way to go to ease the doubters, myself included, he believes that he has shown enough to quiet some of those who regard him as a liability.

When the season starts Dallas Thomas will line up on the left side either between Mike Pouncey and Branden Albert or Pouncey and Jason Fox. On the other side will be 2nd year pro Billy Turner. Turner has been inconsistent through the first three games but he isn’t getting much of a challenge from anyone else on the team, including rookie Jamil Douglas, according to the Miami Herald.

There is little doubt that entering 2015, Thomas was the odd man out to everyone but the coaching staff and team management. It is starting to appear their gamble and belief is gaining momentum to paying off. Perhaps maybe it was the negative publicity that finally turned Thomas around or perhaps he finally figured it out. Regardless of the reason Thomas has been a surprise so far. Whether or not that surprise stays a surprise is up to him. We will know soon enough as the season begins.

Thomas told reporters that he doesn’t know the plan for him this week against Tampa Bay but he did say that he wants to play, that he wants the reps. That’s a good indication that his mind is right where it should be.