The O-Line MUST Step-It-Up vs ATL

The Dolphins need their offensive line to finally be an asset!

The Miami Dolphins suffered a major injury with Jalen Ramsey on Day 2 of Training Camp, but the Phins’ defense rallied, stepped up, and has dominated most of camp, so far. It would have been easy to stumble with the Dolphins’ big-ticket offseason trade acquisition Jalen Ramsey down. Instead, rookie Cam Smith, along with the other young defensive backs stepped up to fill the void. 

Now, it’s time for someone on this offensive line to do the same given the serious struggle of the incumbent left guard, Liam Eichenberg. The offensive line issues are a major reason why the Phins offense has been so herky-jerky with consistency so far this Training Camp. To be fair, you can’t judge this group without Terron Armstead in the mix. Still, this week with the Atlanta Falcons in town to practice against Miami, someone needs to take the reigns and fill the void at Left Guard.

Will Isaiah Wynn be that guy?

The offensive line is in the spotlight

Most of the pay-per-head software companies are predicting Ramsey’s return to be in December, although some hopeful reports having him shooting for after the Bye Week in November. This means the Dolphins need everyone to step it up, so he’ll return with the Dolphins in playoff contention. 

The next-man-up mentality showed big dividends so far with Kader Kohou and 2023 2nd Round pick Cam Smith. You can make an easy bet with the best pay-per-head that they need that same mentality with the offensive line. Too many times has the headline has been, “The defense dominates practice”. Frankly, I’m sick of hearing it.

The Dolphins must protect Tua, maintain time of possession to rest the defense, and score points to succeed this season...

… and ALL of that starts with the offensive line.

It’s early, and defenses are always generally ahead of the offenses, but for an offense that is supposed to be very good this season we need to see more and that should start this week. At least the O-line will have an easier task this week because they won’t be facing Miami’s All-Star talented defensive line. But, bouncing back this week won’t be a slam dunk either as the Falcons have some excellent talent on their defensive front.

Terron will see some action and that will help, but…

Miami needs to build depth on the o-line despite how good Connor Williams, Robert Hunt, and Terron Armstead are because there are always injuries and it’s a 5-man unit. Maybe Eichenberg develops, Maybe not? The bottom line is that the Dolphins need at least two guys to step up. Austin Jackson has shown some promise, so we’ll have to bank on him. Time will tell if this is a winner. The only real option left is Isaiah Wynn who is a doubly critical piece because he fills two needs: left guard and backup tackle.

Can Wynn be our hero?

We will get a very good idea if he is or isn’t the right guy for the job this week as he will likely get extended time starting against guys that have talent and aren’t his teammate! Fingers crossed. Go Phins!!!