Turner believe Miami’s O-Line can be #1
Miami’s O-Line was half filled with Pro Bowl talent last year.
Alright, we Fin Fans know the deal with Miami’s 2015 O-Line: talented, but fragile and limited in depth with no guard play.
Last season, Miami’s O-Line weakness became a boulder that was chained around the Dolphins flipper and the weight of it was a major factor in sinking the season.
One Dolphins player believes that this year, the O-Line can be tops in the league.
Turner was quoted as saying, “Anyone that knows football and knows our offensive line knows that we have the potential to be the best offensive line in football,” Turner said. “If you look at our offensive line and just go down the list of how many first-round picks we have and how many guys we have that are perennial Pro Bowl players –- and how many guys that are on the cusp of being perennial Pro Bowlers –- we have a lot of guys.”
So much of what Turner believes is plainly obvious. The 1st round picks invested, the depth of experience acquired in free agency, and a system conducive to the talent should create a formidable line. It’s all there. It’s legit.
But, one stat that isn’t mentioned puts all of his belief in context:
Mike Pouncy hasn’t had a full season since 2012. Brandon Albert has had only one full season since 2008. James missed 9 games last season. Tunsil missed 7 games over the last two. Bushrod is 31 years old and missed 4 games last season.
So, the reality is that it’s entirely possible that Turner is correct and Miami ends up with the #1 O-Line in 2016. But, it’s also more likely statistically that a rash of injuries draws away talent and they fall short of such a lofty height.
Despite challenges, Miami’s O-Line should be best since 2009.
But, here’s the comforting part. With all the talent and depth Miami has now, unless an “injury Armageddon” occurs, the Dolphins will still have an effective O-Line, regardless.
Tackle is covered by Tunsil and Bushrod.
Guard is covered by Urbik and Turner.
Center has the largest question mark over its position depth.
Given the injury history of the players involved, I don’t see Miami possessing a juggernaut O-Line unless Gase and Co are super genius’ of conditioning and injury prevention, or Miami has stored so much good luck on all it’s bad luck that they roll Yahtzee, back-to-back-to-back.
What I do believe is Miami will have their best O-Line since 2009 where they were ranked #2 by PFF. I doubt that they rank that good (#7 at run, #1 at pass, and #9 in penalties), but low teens seems very feasible.
So, 2016 should offer Miami Fans comfort in the fact that we will likely see above average play at the O-Line position as a foundation to base the offensive attack off…and, that should be no small comfort. Go Fins!!!