Steelers pushed the Phins to the edge… but not over it
The Phins should have blown the doors off a Pittsburgh Steelers team that is starting a rookie QB with a far less talented roster. Instead, they almost lost if not for an ultra sloppy Steeler team. But the Phins pulled out the nail bitter win to move to 4-3 on the season with three manageable teams to play before the Bye Week and one very manageable game after it. So, the table looks to be set very well for the Dolphins and playoffs on the menu. But, considering how tight every game has been so far, the critical six game stretch to close the season looks a little more daunting than originally expected.
So, where are the Phins really at given what we’ve witnessed so far? And what can they do to ensure a trip to the playoffs?
Dynamic offense, but pedestrian points scored
The good news: Phins have put together some of the highest outputs for receivers of anyone in the league with four of the Top 8 best individual receiving yard games this season. So, at least the huge expenditures on Waddle and Hill are paying off on gameday. But, while Miami is 2nd in passing yards, they are 28th in rushing yards and only 16th in scoring.
Clearly, the run game is serious drag on this team.
Given that the weather will get worse as we get deep into Fall and enter Winter, Miami will likely have their season decided on how effectively they can run the football. The good news is they don’t need to be the 72′ Dolphins to reach where they need to go. The Phins just need to get even to a slightly below average to be the juggernaut “O” that was being touted high and low in the offseason.
The problem is for Miami to move from terrible to below average is all about their offensive line… and that unit isn’t deep or highly talented.
Clearly, Terron Armstead proved himself to be as critical a piece as Tua. Unfortunately, Armstead is battling a serious toe injury that will take the offseason to correct, so this injury will have to be managed for the rest of the season and could flare up at any time.
Cross your fingers hard because without Terron this Phins offensive line is just plain offensive.
It doesn’t take the best football software to realize there will be a huge amount of uncertainty all season because of this issue.
Still, the Phins need to focus on what they can control and improve on.
Let’s talk about real solutions to fix the run game
The good news is Brandon Shell looks to be a quality piece and Austin Jackson should return soon to upgrade the right tackle spot or provide depth.
Given the horrific play of Liam Eichenberg at left guard, when Jackson returns he should play right tackle and Shell should replace Eichenberg. If Shell can play right tackle, then he can play guard. The move from tackle to guard is a downgrade in difficulty due to having a O-linemen on either side and the space needing protection is much smaller. So, Shell’s production at tackle should be upgraded by the move.
It’s not that Shell is elite, he isn’t. But Eichenberg has been such drag on the Oline, the pass protection, and the run game that even the addition by subtraction will be an upgrade.
The road ahead is clear: Terron, Shell, Williams, Hunt, and Jackson as the starting offensive line. All three interior O-linemen would offer quality run blockers and upgrade the Phins greatest offensive weakness, the run game. An improved run game would force defenses to respect the rushing attack and that would open up the pass, protect Tua, and generate more points.
Chris Grier is in charge… and responsible for all the good and bad
Even if the difference in production is only marginal (and it think it would be more than that) the move has to be made once Jackson returns. Eichenberg is a great kid and may someday be a great football player, but right now far too often he is a big liability on the football field.
Eichenberg cost a 2nd and 3rd round pick to acquire and several good linemen were passed on when we took him. The past is the past and nothing can be done to change it. The question I have is how does this new regime and the front office chose their starters? Is this franchise about pedigree or production?
Yes, Chris Grier’s resume will take a hit if Eichenberg gets benched because of the trade up to get him and all the draft capital used. BUT, if this 2022 Phins team fails to reach the playoffs and Eichenberg is a big reason why, Grier’s resume will take a much harder hit.
Maybe Eichenberg suddenly steps up and Grier proves to be a genius? I think the better odds are replacing him with Shell. To me, the run game and how this team handles Eichenberg is the key to how this season will go… and how the future will look them Grier and McDaniel in charge. Go Phins!!!