Phin Phanatic
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Miami Dolphins offensive line deserves a lot of credit for today’s win

By Brian Miller

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 7: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of the game agains the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 7: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of the game agains the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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The focus of today’s Miami Dolphins victory will be on Brock Osweiler, Albert Wilson, and the play of the defense. It’s the offensive line that should be heralded.

On Sunday the Miami Dolphins did what no one really thought they would do. I didn’t. They beat the Chicago Bears to advane to 4-2 but it took a wild game to do it. In the end it was the offensive line that should be the players of the game.

Facing a daunting task of shutting down a Bears defense that ranks near the top of the league in many categories and the top in sacks and rushing yards per game, Miami shut out the Bears defenders.

Miami’s frank Gore rushed for just over 100 yards against the number one rushing defense. He became the first player to do so this season against the Bears. If not for a fumble by Kenyan Drake in overtime, the Dolphins would have scored the first rushing touchdown against them.

Miami’s make-shift offensive line that is sporting a back-up center and guard kept the running lanes open long enough for Frank Gore to take advantage of the small holes in the Bears defense but it wasn’t just the running game. The offensive line played near flawlessly.

Pre-snap penalties were held to a minimum which really helped. A false start and a delay of game were the only notable pre-snap penalties. More importantly the Dolphins offensive lineman were not called for holding. Something that many predicted would be a problem against the Bears pass rush.

Ja’Wuan James and Laremy Tunsil held up the edges very well and the interior trio of Jesse Davis, Ted Larsen, and Travis Swanson made sure that Brock Osweiler had time and stayed off the ground.

Miami made sure that Khalil Mack did not get into the back-field and kept two offensive lineman/tight-ends on him at all times but the rest of the Bears defensive front is stellar as well. Entering the day the Bears led the league in sacks they ended the day getting exactly zero sacks on the Dolphins and Brock Osweiler. Not just through four quarters but five.

The Dolphins offensive lineman have been ridiculed for poor execution and mental mistakes but on Sunday they were perfect and as a result, the Dolphins scored more points than they have since last season and stay at least tied for first place in the AFC East.

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