3 things we learned in the Miami Dolphins last preseason game
By Matt Serniak
The Miami Dolphins offensive line had themselves a day on all aspects of blocking.
I only wanted the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line to open up one hole that would get a running back 5-6 yards. Well, the offensive line decided to open up hole after hole like it was their job or something.
193 yards. The Miami Dolphins had 193 yards rushing and it was so much fun to see.
Sure, it was largely backups against backups but what am I supposed to say? That it’s meaningless that the Dolphins mauled, pushed back, and created tractor-trailer-sized holes all night?
No, I’m going to go with the idea that I’m optimistic about the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line. Let it be said, that if against the Patriots the Dolphins can’t run the ball at all I reserve the right to curse them out Happy Gilmore style.
Chase Edmonds didn’t play, but Raheem Mostert, Myles Gaskin, ZaQuandre White, and Gerrid Doaks all feasted on the Eagles’ defense that was getting manhandled seemingly every play.
The pass-blocking, which has been pretty good all preseason, was very good once again. The Miami Dolphins want to operate the passing game, largely, out of misdirection and play-action. For this to optimally work, the Dolphins need to be somewhat successful when they run the ball to get those linebackers and backside defensive ends chasing would-be ball carriers. This will give Tua easy throw after easy throw and will lead to chunk plays.
One guy that had a good day was Greg Little. He made his preseason debut starting at left tackle. Larnel Colman was playing that position so far but Little was the guy on Saturday. Little had a very solid day as he is still progressing through an injury. You hardly heard his name called by the announcers, which is a good thing. No news is good news. Here’s what Mike McD had to say about Greg Little.
Greg Little might have won a job last night unless a No. 3 tackle who appeals to team more becomes available in next 3-4 days. McDaniel: "I thought he did a great job [last night]. I'm proud of him. He played at a level higher than when he left" before injury a couple weeks ago.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 28, 2022
I think it’s fair to say that Greg Little is making the team. He looked infinitely better than Coleman. If he can be the swing tackle and be the defacto guy who spells Terron Armstead when he’s not in there, which will happen at some point, that be great for this team.
It was also nice to see a more sophisticated scheme being executed. Players were pulling and trapping. Guys were getting to the second level. It was a sight to see. It was certainly a bolstered game plan compared to the previous two games.
Connor Williams, Robert Hunt, and Liam Eichenberg looked like they buried a few guys which is encouraging.
All in all, it was a very good night for the offensive line. They should feel confident entering the regular season.