The O-line will set the table for the Phins 2022 Season
Of course, I’m dying to see how all these Miami Dolphins talented skills perform this season, but I know they will only go as far as the offensive line will take them. No unit on the Phins is more desperate in need of improvement than the O-line heading into 2022–NONE! Last year’s group was historically bad and that’s not hyperbole in anyway. Even though the addition of Terron Armstead and Connor Williams is a huge boost, nothing is written in stone about what caliber of blockers as unit we’ll have. So, this is why I’m watching this group with an eagle-eye this offseason. Here is a bunch of new tidbits that were clumped together over the last few days of camp.
Phins O-line will make or break the 2022 Season
Terron Armstead will be brought back into the mix very slowly as he finishes recovering from his 2021 knee injury. Many of the reports about pressure in camp wouldn’t have happened if Armstead was in, so we should keep the pressure in context for many reasons with the top reason being the absence of Armstead. While making sure to protect Armstead is the best course for the longer-term health of the season, Miami needs a Week 1 win against the Patriots. The longer it takes for Armstead to get back, the longer it will take for the chemistry of the O-line to come together.
Austin Jackson dropped his weight to around 310lbs. This will increase his speed and agility and may help him to get his career on track. The loss of weight though will demand his strength and technique grow to compensate for his diminished mass. His preseason game tape will be must-watch film. Last season his tape was terrible, but maybe he can flip the script this year?
Liam Eichenberg is being reported to have gained 5-6 pounds or so and even leaned up. His move inside will limit the space he must defend and the extra size and expected strength will help his biggest weakness in 2021: lack of power. In combination is very good for his success in 2022. I’m feeling really good about his season and playing between Connor and Terron is setting the plate for a strong sophomore year. Time will tell if this ends up the case.
Michael Dieter injured his foot and is in a boot. This is another data point in a strong trend of his inconsistency. It should be clear to all the remaining hold out who believed Dieter could be the future and as to why Williams was moved inside. What isn’t clear is why wasn’t an asset used in Free Agency or the draft to bolster the spot? You can now bet with the best pay per head that this is Dieter’s last season in Miami. Grier should have bit on the draft offers for Dieter.
All O-line evals are final with Armstead playing
The good news is whatever evaluations you have or is being reported about the Phins 2022 O-line, we must remember that when Terron Armstead steps in the unit will vastly improve. We can’t forget that! So, if we see good work out of this group and Armstead isn’t even playing, then imagine when he does step in and lifts the unit even higher! Phins fans, if this ends up the case, we might finally see an offensive line that’s the reason why we win rather than the foundation for our failure. I like that a lot! Go Phins!!!
