Getting some quality LB’s will be key, but a “D” left on the field all day is chop-meat — Miami must get O-Line help
Success of a Football team stems from the success of the O-line
In 2016, the Miami Dolphins O-Line received a huge upgrade in the form of 13th overall pick,Tackle Laremy Tunsil.
After this addition, the Miami Offensive Line boasted four first round picks and was expected to finally be a strength for the Dolphins.
But, injuries to Albert and Tunsil, a hip injury to Pouncey, the regression of James’ play, and only decent production from Jermon Bushrod had the Dolphins perform just slightly better than 2015’s horrid O-Line.
From 2014-16, Miami was ranked 32nd, 31st, and 30th, respectively. With the amount of money and draft picks spent to build this line, this is downright pathetic.
Ryan Tannehill was injured, the run game and offensive output suffered because of this O-Line deficiency. But, this ineptitude in the trenches also added to the issues on the other side of the ball as well.
Horrific offensive outputs during nearly every 1st Quarter of games ( an oft times well more than that ) wore down the defense, who were repeatedly thrown back out onto the field after 3 and out, after 3 and out.
By the end of the year, the defense was gassed.
Now, it’s not to say all of Miami’s defensive issue can be blamed on terrible offensive output — they aren’t, but some of it definitely can be.
How long must the O-line continue to be an issue?
So, here we are once again, entering the off season with huge pay-outs and high draft picks invested, and only huge questions marks and low production to show for it.
And many are saying we need defense. They are right, of course. But, really analyze the line’s current state, and maybe you’ll see the #1 priority is something other than defense.
Branden Albert was a very good player. Age and injuries have him playing at about an above average level at this point. All the signs point to his decline. He started off having a terrible 2016 Preseason, and then, even when not injured, struggled far too often during the Regular Season — especially in run blocking.
Albert is scheduled to make in 2017 $9,575,000 with $1,700,000 million as guaranteed.
That’s 7.8 million in free money, if he;s released.
Albert is a valuable leader and played through a viscous injury, and he’s a guy you really like and pull for. But, given that Tunsil is better suited at Tackle, couldn’t that 7.8 million be better spent elsewhere — maybe on a true Guard?
Albert is going to get injured and his play isn’t going to get better.
With these givens, isn’t it wise to move on?
Mike Pouncey is another great player who’s wearing down, but his talents haven’t degraded like Albert’s. Adam Gase showed in 2016 that he can scheme Pouncey into the second level where he is still one of the best in the league. But again, he played only 5 game in 2016 and hasn’t had a full season since 2012.
The reality is that Pouncey’s contract locks him in until 2018. Of his $7,950,000 salary in 2017, 5 million is guaranteed. So, he’s going to be back, but likely he won’t play 16 game. So, given the contract situation, Miami’s only option is to roll the dice against the NFL odds by the top pay per head bookie — and get someone to replace Pouncey if an injury comes.
The Dolphins O-Line has been one step forward, two steps back for a long time.
At least Kraig Urbik is a good veteran who can hold down any one of the three spots inside with solid play. While he isn’t a star, he’s one of the better signings Miami has made on the O-Line.
Then there is Ju’Wuan James.
Miami decided to take him over Carr in the 2014 Draft. He had a very good first season, but was seriously injured in 2015 and had a down year in 2016. His kick step seems slower, and he was beat awfully, several times, allowing the edge rusher to maul Ryan Tannehill.
James is in a contract year, so maybe the money will get him to play over his head — maybe not. But, it would also make it harder to move him inside if the staff viewed it a better fit for him.
Then there is a big fat hole at Right Guard.
There you have it. That’s Miami’s O-Line.
Wow!
Double dog, wow!
So, while I was initially all about defense getting the maximum attention, it’s this O-Line that is the most in need of fixing — if the Dolphins want a successful 2017. Go Fins!!!