Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Losing Josh Sitton could be a big problem for the Miami Dolphins

By Nick Belotto

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 15: Center Josh Sitton #71 of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns during the preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 15, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 15: Center Josh Sitton #71 of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns during the preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 15, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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News broke this morning that Josh Sitton is out for the season with a torn rotator cuff. This could be extremely problematic for Miami’s offense.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Josh Sitton has been lost for the season due to a torn rotator cuff. Sitton did not practice this week because of the shoulder injury and after further evaluation, it seems the injury fell into the “worst case scenario” category for the Dolphins.

In steps Ted Larsen, a 31 year old guard who Miami signed last year to help solidify the offensive line. Larsen’s first season with the Dolphins was plagued with injury and poor play which is one of the reasons Miami went after Sitton this offseason.

This is a potentially devastating injury for the Miami Dolphins. Sitton was a player that many Dolphins fans, myself included, were excited about because he brought stability and quality play to the offensive line. It was apparent in the first game just how much of an upgrade he was to this unit as Ryan Tannehill was only sacked once against the Titans.

NFL analysts always talk about the importance of the quarterback to any team in the NFL. This always overshadows the importance of an offensive line that can effectively block for that quarterback.

Ryan Tannehill is a good quarterback. He is good enough to win games when he has quality protection. The question needs to be asked: is Larsen solid enough that he doesn’t become a liability on the offensive line?

The answer: we don’t know yet.

Against the Titans, Tannehill was able to drop back and take the time necessary to scan the field and make solid decisions. Miami’s running game was also successful due to the play of the offensive line against the Titans.

That’s why there is so much on the line with this Sitton injury. I am not implying that Larsen is a bad guard, but he was a backup for a reason.

If opposing defenses can get solid pressure on Tannehill, he is going to make mistakes. If Miami can’t get the running game going, it is also going to hurt Tannehill’s play.

We can’t say for certain what is going to happen on Sunday because of this injury. Larsen could step in and play great, quality football. Until we know for sure, however, this Sunday’s game against the Jets just got much more intriguing, and not necessarily in a good way.

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