Offensive line showing some improvement
The Dolphins’ offensive line, victimized repeatedly in the first two months of the season, has suddenly become — shall we say — competent.
That’s not exactly an ambitious bar to reach, but at least it’s a sign of meaningful progress.
The Dolphins have allowed only two sacks the past two games — which is partly a byproduct of Tua Tagovailoa’s quick release and knack for avoiding rushers but partly a result of better blocking.
At one point three weeks ago, the Dolphins offensive line had the three players who had permitted the most quarterback pressures in the league — Liam Eichenberg, Austin Jackson and Jesse Davis.
But after relinquishing two sacks in the Thursday night game against Baltimore, Eichenberg has been serviceable the past two weeks, not allowing a sack against the Jets or Panthers. After yielding five pressures against New York, he allowed only one against Carolina.
Jackson and Robert Hunt — the two guards — have yielded a combined three pressures and no sacks during the past two games.
Jackson, per PFF, hasn’t permitted a sack in Miami’s past three games.
Right tackle Jesse Davis allowed the only sack relinquished by Miami’s offensive linemen during the past two weeks. Davis has given up a combined seven pressures during the past two weeks.
A look at where the linemen stand, with feedback from offensive line coach Lemuel Jeanpierre:
Eichenberg’s overall numbers remain among the worst in the league because of his poor first two months. His 50 pressures permitted are most among all NFL offensive linemen. His nine sacks relinquished also are the most among NFL linemen.
His run blocking has been neither great nor awful; PFF ranks him 45th among 81 qualifying offensive tackles in that category.
But there has been enough progress the past two weeks to suggest that Eichenberg could remain at left tackle next season — an unfathomable thought a month ago — if he plays well during the final five games.
If Eichenberg is merely decent but not very good during the next five games, he could be shifted to right tackle in 2022, and the Dolphins could sign a free agent left tackle in March.
“The production has gotten better, at least in pass pro,” Jeanpierre said. “He’s finding more of a groove, more confidence. He’s working out earlier, texting me all the time, wants more tape” to study.
Davis has allowed 47 pressures this season, second most among all NFL offensive linemen. His six sacks allowed are sixth most. PFF ranks him 71st among 81 tackles as a run blocker.
Why have the Dolphins kept him at right tackle instead of moving him to guard and flipping with Hunt?
Jeanpierre has declined to say, but cites the continuity of using the same group in the same positions as a positive.
Davis’ uneven play has left his future in question. The Dolphins love his toughness, versatility, leadership and attitude. None of his $3.1 million salary next season is guaranteed.
Jackson has allowed 43 pressures — fourth most in the league behind Eichenberg, Davis and Las Vegas lineman Alex Leatherwood. PFF ranks him only 68th among 81 guards as a run blocker.
But there has been improvement since moving from left tackle to left guard early in the season.
“I think I’m settling pretty well,” Jackson said. “Doing a lot of good things. Definitely some things to clean up. I think it’s just great that I’ve been able to transition into it pretty well. To play two positions on the offensive line in the NFL is pretty dope.”
Hunt has permitted 29 pressures — tied for 17th most among all NFL offensive linemen — but just two sacks.
But PFF ranks him only 59th as a run blocker, among 81 guards.
Has Hunt been the guard they envisioned he could be?
“Not yet,” Jeanpierre said. “When I met Rob at the Combine, I was fortunate to do his interview. I said, ‘Tell me your goals.’ Rob has very high goals. Because he hasn’t quite reached his standard yet, I can’t say he’s reached the pinnacle yet.”
The Dolphins hope that center Michael Deiter’s return from a ninegame absence will augment the line. Austin Reiter allowed two pressures last week and had two bad snaps, one that led to a Carolina field goal just before halftime.
INJURY UPDATE
Receiver DeVante Parker, who has missed four consecutive games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice. Tagovailoa said he looked good and wasn’t limited in practice.
Center Greg Mancz,
who has missed three games with an ankle injury, also returned to practice.
Both Parker and Mancz are eligible to come off injured reserve.
These players were limited on Wednesday: linebacker Jaelan Phillips
(hip), running back Phillip Lindsay (ankle), guard Hunt (back), safety Brandon Jones (elbow/ankle) and tight end Adam Shaheen (knee).
Jones and Shaheen missed Sunday’s game against Carolina. The Phillips, Lindsay and Hunt injuries are new.
Xavien Howard, Byron Jones