After an up-and-down season in 2021, the Miami Dolphins agreed with the fanbase and analysts regarding their offensive line – they needed to be better.
During the offseason, they’ve put effort toward that goal, signing Terron Armstead and Connor Williams who are both projected to have starting jobs up front in 2022.
With that said, the Dolphins are still expected to have three members of last year’s unit returning. The common thought is that Michael Deiter will play center, Robert Hunt will play right guard and there will be a competition at right tackle between Austin Jackson and Liam Eichenberg.
While some shutter at the thought of Eichenberg or Jackson protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside, head coach Mike McDaniel wants his staff to help put the negativity of last year in the past.
“Offensive linemen are like officials,” McDaniel said (transcribed by NBC’s Ruthie Polinsky). “You’re not talking about them and that’s a good thing. But they have scars from when they are talked about. So to get them to let go and let the past be the past is the most deliberate thing we have to do as a coaching staff.”
It’s an interesting point. Most probably couldn’t name many good offensive linemen in the league, just like they couldn’t do the same with officials. It’s the bad calls or the blown assignments that get them recognized by fans and analysts.
Like any position, there are growing pains when it comes to jumping from the college game to the NFL. Jackson and Eichenberg have both been shuffled around since they arrived in Miami. With continuity and better coaching, they may find themselves being capable starters in this league.
