Dolphins step up protection for Cutler

DAVIE — The first hit Jay Cutler takes from an Oakland pass rusher Sunday night will be watched closely. The aftermath will be watched even more closely.

Cutler, the Dolphins’ 34-year-old quarterback, plans to start Sunday’s game against the Raiders with a rib injury that was significant enough to keep him out of last week’s 40-0 loss at Baltimore. He said earlier this week his ribs remain sore at times.

With Cutler ailing and his movement and elusiveness likely limited, pass protection is at even more of a premium this week.

One hit, not even a big hit, could be extremely painful.

“We sure don’t need Khalil Mack coming clean or anything on him,” offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said of the Raiders’ All-Pro defensive end. “No quarterback does.

“But certainly we have to be conscious that it’s going to take even more strain than usual to protect him and keep him upright, which will be a challenge this week.”

Coach Adam Gase said there isn’t much he can do from a play-calling standpoint to protect Cutler and his ribs.

“You’re kind of at the mercy of what happens on each individual play,” Gase said. “You can try to keep him out of harm’s way, but ... at some point we’re going to have to drop back and throw it.

“We’ve got to protect him and get open quick. And he’s got to avoid getting hit.”

The good news is the Dolphins have been decent at pass protection, surrendering 16 sacks, which is tied for 19th in the league. They’ve kept big-name pass rushers such as Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa (8.5 sacks apiece) of the Los Angeles Chargers under control.

Beyond that, Oakland isn’t a prominent passrushing team. The Raiders only have 12 sacks, tied for 29th in the NFL.

And pass protection should get a boost from Jay Ajayi to running backs Damien Williams, who has pass protection inherent in his description, and Kenyan Drake, who is regarded as above average.

“He does a good job of stepping up and meeting contact and delivering the blow instead of waiting for the linebacker to hit him,” Christensen said of Drake.

Miami also has the option of using tight end Anthony Fasano for maximum protection.

So the Dolphins seem OK when it comes to protecting Cutler.

But there are vulnerabilities.

Left guard Jesse Davis, essentially the thirdteamer behind projected starter Ted Larsen (biceps) and injured starter Anthony Steen (foot), seems likely to get the start, and Oakland might try to exploit Davis’ inexperience with twists and stunts.

And both left tackle Laremy Tunsil and right tackle Ja’Wuan James, who will handle Mack for most of the game, have been inconsistent.

Gase said it’ll be imperative for Cutler to use good fundamentals when throwing.

But Cutler won’t wear any extra protection because he doesn’t want his movement further restricted.

“He’s tough,” Gase said.