The Dolphins have been very active this free-agency period, and in a change from recent years, they have not signed the top free agent and every player that has walked through their building. Just to name a few players that have visited, but left without a contract are QB Brandon Weeden, LB Sean Spence, DE Jason Jones. And while it’s good that Miami is not just throwing money around like a drunk at a strip club, the one position I’d be alright with it if they did is the Guard Position. So if not now, help for the offensive line is coming when??!!!
Sure Miami just signed Jermon Bushrod, but Bushrod has been an offensive tackle his entire career, and last season he was suffering multiple injuries, and was not even able to start. The Dolphins are saying they are going to use Bushrod at Guard, but does that truly make any of you Miami Dolphins News fans feel like we solved one of the Guard position issues? I can understand signing Bushrod as a depth player at one of the tackle positions because we all know that Jason Fox was a disaster last season. However to bank on the idea that Bushrod is magically going to be a starting Guard just seems irresponsible. Even if they do try to use Bushrod as a Guard, my question is then why not just find a true Guard, who has been playing Guard his entire career in the NFL?
Lets not also forget the fact that the Dolphins need two Guards, because Thomas, Turner and Douglas all proved last year that they are not even close to being able to be a dependable starting Guard. How many seasons need to be wasted, until Miami finally realize that they need to fix the offensive line if they want their offense to be successful? The offensive line is the foundation of any offense’s running and passing game. Running backs can’t run if their lineman can not create space for them, and Quaterbacks can not complete passes if they are constantly being harassed, and are scrambling for their lives. It is a very simple philosophy, and it is obvious to all football gambling fans that Miami desperately needs to improve at their Guard positions.
The Dolphins already missed out on Alex Boone, however there are a few solid Guards on the market that Miami should seriously be looking to sign as soon as possible, such as Evan Mathis, Louis Vasquez, Jahri Evans, and Geoff Schwartz. Each of these players are veterans, who have been in the league for quite awhile, so they are not going to be a long term answer, however each of them is better than any Guard Miami has on their roster and can at least play for another 2 to 3 years. I do think there is a “shot” for Dallas to find his way by moving to the RG spot. Pass blocking is his weakness and RG is the beneficiary of a lot of help from the center. I still wouldn’t feel comfortable depending on him though.
The fact is Miami could have the most talented wide receivers, and running backs in the league, but if the offensive line continues to be a liability, then it does not matter who we have at the skill positions, because they are never going to have the time and space to make plays. The Dolphins will likely need to use another high draft pick on an offensive lineman because they need to finally fix this problem. For the Dolphins or Tannehill to have a chance at success, the offensive line needs to be improved. Even just a little improvement on the offensive line could do wonders for Miami’s offense, and team. So the question is, when will the help for the offensive line come?!
