New centers undergo crash course on Dolphins’ offense

DAVIE – The Miami Dolphins will be breaking in a new starting center for the fifth time in six seasons because of injuries.

The last few seasons it was Mike Pouncey’s troublesome hip that prompted to the Dolphins to find and developing a new starting center. That was Miami’s routine for all but last season before Pouncey was released this offseason.

Daniel Kilgore’s torn triceps muscle, which he injured in last week’s 38-7 loss to the New England Patriots, has triggered the elevation of Travis Swanson to be the No. 1 snapper.

Swanson, who allowed a sack and had a high-velocity snap quarterback Ryan Tannehill lost on a fumble last Sunday, is no stranger to starting, considering this fifth-year veteran has started 42 of the 54 games he’s played in the NFL.

The Dolphins signed Swanson in the second week of the season to address this possibility after Jake Brendel was placed on injured reserve because of a calf injury before the season started. But Miami never expected to turn over the starting job to him so soon.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn just getting here a month ago. I’m trying to learn the ins and outs of everything, learning how to play next to Ted [Larsen] and Jesse [Davis]. It’s a process,” Swanson said, referring to developing chemistry on the interior of the offensive line. “I think I fit in good here.”

Complicating things for Swanson is the fact his toughest assignment comes on Sunday in his first start with his new team, being responsible for blocking Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins — a former St. Thomas Aquinas standout — who is a six-time Pro Bowl pick.

Atkins has registered 19 tackles and four sacks in Cincinnati’s first four games, and has a reputation for being an active defensive tackle that requires a double-team.

“He’s a household name. Everyone knows him,” Swanson said referring to Atkins, who has recorded 65 sacks in nine seasons. “He’s got a great motor, great strength. Someone you have to be technically sound with.”

The Dolphins do have a backup plan if Swanson struggles as Wesley Johnson was signed this week. Johnson, who was unemployed the first four games of the season, has started 24 games of the 54 games he’s played. He started 15 games for the Jets last season, but was cut in September by the Detroit Lions, and has been out of work since.

Johnson said Miami coaches are working overtime teaching him the Dolphins offense because he’ll serve as the primary backup at all the interior spots on Sunday.

Center isn’t one of those positions where a player can just wing it, playing on raw athletic ability. They are responsible for making line calls, identifying blitzes, shifting blocking protections more than other players.

“We’re working every day and it’s coming along,” Johnson said. “It’s still a new offense and I really have to get to speed on it.”