Miami Dolphins: 3 major takeaways from Week 1 vs. Patriots

Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates his touchdown with his teammates during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates his touchdown with his teammates during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Miami Dolphins
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 12: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins looks on from under center against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

1. The offensive line is still an issue

There was a lot of good to take away from the game, but there was a glaring issue the entire game too. That issue is the offensive line. Some fans will sugarcoat how the offensive line played, but it was not good again.

Tagovailoa was only sacked twice in the game, but that was more about him getting the ball out quickly or the pay design to help the Dolphins offense from their offensive line struggles.

Right tackle Jesse Davis had yet another rough game as Tagovailoa’s blindside protector. It is extremely concerning to see the number of times Davis is just dominated by the defensive lineman. And even on the positive plays, Davis still is not doing well.

2020 first-round pick Austin Jackson was activated off of the COVID-19 list late last week, but Miami decided to go with 2021 second-round pick Liam Eichenberg at left tackle instead. I thought Eichenberg played okay, but I would much rather see him starting at right tackle and going with Jackson at left tackle.

Regardless of where they play in Week 2, the fact that it is Week 2 and we are still trying to figure out who the starting tackles should be is a major issue.