Phin Phanatic
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Three reasons why J.C. Tretter to the Miami Dolphins makes sense

By Wesley Minke

Dec 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) and center JC Tretter (64) at the line of scrimmage as quarterback Nick Mullens (9) lines up for the snap against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller (77) and center JC Tretter (64) at the line of scrimmage as quarterback Nick Mullens (9) lines up for the snap against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Tretter #64 of the Cleveland Browns blocks against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 15: J.C. Tretter #64 of the Cleveland Browns blocks against the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

The relationship between center and quarterback is one of the more important relationships on the team. If you don’t believe it, just look to Tampa Bay where Ryan Jensen returns after Tom Brady un-retires. Brady coming back was a gigantic piece in Jensen’s consequential return. Third year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t ever had any continuity between the guys in front of him, and giving him a reliable veteran presence would be huge for his development.

— PFF (@PFF) March 15, 2022

Not only does this move give Tagovailoa the calming presence in front of him, but it also gives him one of the best pass and run blocking centers in the league. Tretter graded at 83.7 in pass blocking and 75.5 in run blocking, and grading out overall at 79.4, according to PFF, putting him top four among all centers. For reference, the highest ranked Dolphins lineman last season was Robert Hunt at 67.4, according to PFF.

Imagine how much better Hunt could be when he has a perennial great center next to him in Tretter. If the line was to play out as I had said earlier, that would make the only real liability be Austin Jackson at right tackle. I can live with the fact that this new offensive staff, and more importantly the offensive line staff, can work to improve Jackson enough to be a viable starter in this league.

With the additions of Tretter, Armstead and Williams, the Miami Dolphins would have a top 5 offensive line unit in the NFL. This would give Tagovailoa a chance to breathe in the pocket and dissect any defense with the ridiculous speed that will be coming out of Miami. With this move the offense immediately contends in the top 10 no questions asked.

I also love the idea of Tretter helping to take control of the offense and slow things down when the need to be. No one has helped Tua yet, or given him a chance to be a good NFL starter, yet he continues to win. This move is the next one to start to guide him into the NFL’s elite class.

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