The Miami Dolphins were hoping to get a good look at Josh Rosen with the first team offense last night, since he was under duress most of his snaps in the first preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, the result this week against Tampa Bay was no different despite the changes.
No matter what combination the Dolphins trotted out on the field, the quarterbacks were under pressure all night against the Bucs. Rookie guards Michael Deiter and Shaq Calhoun had up and down moments — but were effectively liabilities in pass protection. Things went smoothly enough when veterans Laremy Tunsil and Daniel Kilgore were in the contest, but once those two were removed there was nearly no positives to be found.
Jesse Davis, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Michael Dunn and Isaiah Prince all struggled to protect the quarterback in addition to the rookie guards, leaving both quarterback constantly off script. Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick were both able to make some plays happen with their feet, but each also slid into sacks and pressure because of just how leaky Miami’s front five were.
And pass protection wasn’t the only issue against the Buccaneers.
The coaching staff decided to not run Kalen Ballage last night, instead evaluating other backs like Mark Walton or Myles Gaskin. Walton ended the game with just five carries for eight yards. Gaskin did not fair much better — he finished the game with six carries for 17 yards.
Beyond making it difficult to evaluate talent, this offensive line looms as a major concern for the Dolphins’ 2019 season. Whether Rosen is their guy or they draft a quarterback in the 2020 draft, the Dolphins had better prioritize the offensive line if they wish to develop that quarterback and keep him healthy as the team’s rebuild continues.
In the meantime? The 2019 season will be another long season of poor offensive line play for Miami.
