Dolphins offensive line play best of season

To say that the Miami Dolphins offensive line played their best game of the season on Sunday would be an understatement. They really had nowhere to go but up. Up they went. The Dolphins success on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans has to be attributed to the play of the offensive line. Afterall, if we are going to blame them for losses, we should at least acknowledge them in wins.

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The return of Branden Albert was a major key to the Dolphins success on the line Sunday. Albert who is 11 months removed from his ACL/MCL tear looked far more comfortable on Sunday than he did in his opening weekend against the Redskins. Albert was solid on the outside while facing a tough Tennessee defensive line. Albert however was only one part of the five man group who really took Dan Campbell’s words and put them into action.

The Dolphins line was more physical on Sunday than any other game this season and probably any other game last season. They opened up running lanes for Lamar Miller and the other running backs and more importantly those lanes were up the middle and not outside bounces. Campbell said he wanted a more physical football team and he got it.

Billy Turner started for the first time in his career and he played well. Much better than rookie Jamil Douglas whom he replaced. Turner played with the same attitude and physicality that he displayed at North Dakato State. His play in college is what caught the eye of general manager Dennis Hickey and for the first time in his career he showed it.

In his opening press conference Campbell said that someone needed to push Mike Pouncey to be better and someone has. Pouncey looked like a Pro-Bowler for the first time this season. He played strong there was obvious chemistry between him, Turner, and Dallas Thomas who also had a good game at guard. Ja’Wuan James may have turned in his most conistent game of his career as well.

The Dolphins rushed for 180 yards on the day. 113 of those on the legs of Lamar Miller. Ryan Tannehill found a lot of time in the pocket but was sacked twice. A drop from previous weeks. Overall the Dolphins were able to see what there offense could be with a strong offensive line performance. Joe Philbin’s weekly rotation of lineman doesn’t set players up for continuity and chemistry but Campbell will work to keep the unit together until they prove they can’t get the job done.

It’s one game, but it’s a victory for the team, the coach, the fans, and finally a victory for the offensive line.