AFC East: Ranking the running game—the New England Patriots rush ahead
By Jon Galvin
No. 4: Miami Dolphins
Strength: Terron Armstead, a former Pro Bowl selection, is still capable when healthy, and Robert Hunt is a talented young guard whose career is on the upswing. Hunt had a run-blocking grade of 76.2 to go along with a pass-blocking grade of 74.0 in 2022.
Weakness: Armstead is both a strength and a weakness as he is entering his 11th year in the NFL, and it’s unclear how much he has left in the tank. The Miami offense line lacks quality, and the addition of a pair of 1st-round busts—signing former Patriot Isaiah Wynn and well-travelled Cedric Ogbuehi--doesn’t really change anything.
X-Factor: Devon Achane. I am projecting Achane to carve out a significant role in the Miami running game. If Achane can be the home-run hitter to complement Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, the Dolphins will have that speed element that Bills Coach McDermott notes “is dangerous and can put a little bit of fear into defensive coordinators.” Take note Jerrod Mayo/Steve Belichick….