Panthers are a bad team and beat up, but Liam Eichenberg will complicate things
The Miami Dolphins are home, celebrating the great Zach Thomas, and are the #1 offense in the NFL expected to win this by almost two touchdowns. On the other hand, the 0-5 Carolina Panthers are starting a rookie quarterback, putting up an average of 11 points per game, and has numerous key injuries, so 0-6 is all but guaranteed. This game has another Phins blow-out written all over it in bright neon. Miami is all but guaranteed to move to 5-1 on the season and give Thomas a great day to remember…
…But center Connor Williams will miss his second game of the season and Liam Eichenberg will make his second start. So, Eichenberg could make things a little dicey for the Phins.
Can Liam Eichenberg Step up?
I don’t think the Panthers have a shot to win this game because everything but the loss of Connor is in the Dolphins’ favor. But, defensive tackle Derrick Brown is one of the best interior defensive players in the NFL. Brown is huge at 6’5” 320lbs and fast proving equally capable against the run and the pass. To be fair, Brown is slowed by a knee and ankle injury and is listed as questionable. So, maybe he ends up a game-time scratch? If not, even a diminished Brown will be a tall order for Eichenberg unless he has made strong improvements since his last outing.
Eichenberg in just 52 snaps has given up 5 pressures and 2 sacks, but it has looked much worse than that. Will Eichenberg improve? And the reality is he must improve a ton to not be a liability. I don’t think in any way he can jeopardize the Dolphins from winning, but all it takes is one back mistake to cause problems or even worse get someone hurt. Remember Eichenberg was driven into the backfield as if on skates when Terron Armstead got hurt against the Bills.
The real concern with Eichenberg is next week vs the Eagles
The Panthers are bad and despite Brown being a darn good player, you can be with the best pay-per-head that Miami can handle this team and Eichenberg probably won’t get anyone hurt. BUT, the BIG problem is next week vs the Eagles. Connor is dealing with something and playing against the Giants has made it worse. So, why did they play Eichenberg against a poor Giants team?
Eichenberg vs. the Philly front is a whole other animal than this week vs the Panthers. Against the Eagles Eichenberg could cost us the game and could get someone hurt. This week watching Eichenberg vs. Derrick Brown will be a great chance to evaluate his play and see how far he’s come. But, let’s hope it doesn’t come to Eichenberg starting next week vs. Philly! Go Phins!!!