Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Dolphins vs. Jets is an audition for free agent QBs

By Neil Patrick Healy

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Myles Gaskin #3 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Michael Carter II #30 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Myles Gaskin #3 of the Miami Dolphins is tackled by Michael Carter II #30 of the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 lines up behind offensive guard Robert Hunt #68 and center Connor Williams #58 of the Miami Dolphins against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 lines up behind offensive guard Robert Hunt #68 and center Connor Williams #58 of the Miami Dolphins against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Offensive line: Dolphins

For the Dolphins, the offensive line has a much brighter outlook. The number one cause for optimism is left tackle Terron Armstead. After earning a second-team All-Pro selection in 2018 and three straight Pro Bowls from 2018-2020 with the New Orleans Saints, Armstead signed a five-year, $75 million contract with $43.37 guaranteed in the offseason. Thus far, he’s been worth the hype. Despite missing time due to injury, PFF ranks him as the 14th-best tackle with an overall grade of 77.5.

On the other side, right tackle Brandon Shell has been solid, even filling in for the injured Armstead. His PFF grades don’t stand out — tied for 54th among tackles, 65 overall, 52.3 pass block, 76 run block — but he showed his versatility when Miami needed it most.

For the interior linemen, right guard Robert Hunt is tied for 13th in PFF’s rankings, with grades of 71.8 overall, 72.7 pass block, and 74.9 run block. Center Connor Williams is the fifth-best center according to PFF, with grades of 76.7 overall, 69.8 pass block, and 83 run block.

All of this improvement on the offensive line comes without the help of Notre Dame second-round pick Liam Eichenberg, who was put on the injured reserve in October after injuring his MCL in Week 8 against the Detroit Lions. He was reactivated for the Week 17 game against the New England Patriots, but only recorded a PFF grade of 36.

Edge: Miami

The talent along the Dolphins’ line and the blocking schemes drawn up by McDaniel make the Miami offensive line a good pitch for quarterbacks.

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