New England Patriots Week One Preview: Five Thoughts On The Miami Dolphins
By Cyrus Geller
Aug 16, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) huddles up with teammates during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
1. Offensive line
We all remember the Richie Incognito incident from last year, and I don’t think we need to revisit that right now. But it does emphasis Miami’s offensive line, and how putrid it was in 2013. As a group, they gave up 58 sacks last season, which led the NFL. The Dolphins had a lot of problems with last year’s squad, but the struggles up front led the list.
We should definitely be watching the Miami offensive line on Sunday, to see how they hold up against Chandler Jones and company. It should be worth noting that the Dolphins have changed up their front five quite a bit since last year, bringing in a few guys to try and fix last year’s debacle.
Their most noteworthy move was signing left tackle Branden Albert in free agency, which is expected to help bolster the line. Miami also used their first round draft pick on an offensive lineman, selecting Tennessee’s Ja’Wuan James with the 19th overall pick. Just as an initial feeling, I think Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich will have the advantage over these two, but it will definitely be a tight battle all game long.