Larsen paves way to victory

Lineman’s key block fuels game-winning touchdown vs. Patriots

MIAMI GARDENS — Dolphins reserve offensive linemen Sam Young and Wesley Johnson led the chants, while starting center Travis Swanson and right guard Jesse Davis joined the commotion.

Starting left guard Ted Larsen could not get out of the Dolphins’ showers fast enough.

The Dolphins offensive linemen were chanting “Ted” and “Teddy” in celebration for Larsen, whose key block cleared the way for running back Kenyan Drake to complete a 69-yard game-winning hook and lateral play for Miami in a 34-33 win over New England on Sunday.

At one point, Drake was looking for a teammate to pitch the football to before seeing Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski on the field as a free safety and the only obstacle in his way.

“I was kind of hoping they would pitch me the ball,” Larsen said with a laugh by his locker, the only moment of levity he gave toward his pivotal play.

Larsen, a nineyear veteran in his second season with the Dolphins, has often been one of Miami’s most maligned offensive linemen.

He became the Dolphins starting left guard after free-agent acquisition Josh Sitton suffered a torn rotator cuff at the beginning of the season.

Even after dealing with a neck injury that caused him to miss the Green Bay Packers game on Nov. 11, and losing his starting job to Jake Brendel, Larsen regained his starting job after Swanson and Brendel dealt with injuries in the last two games.

After Sunday’s win over the Patriots, where Larsen ran at least 40 yards down the field to make a game-winning block, Larsen was heralded by his teammates.

In his eyes, however, he was simply doing his job.

“I just kind of saw an opportunity and tried to help Kenyan, and he made a great play,” Larsen said.

Dolphins left tackle Laremy Tunsil said Larsen’s experience in the NFL is one of the major reasons he been a dependable player for Miami this season.

“Teddy is a good guy,” Tunsil said. “He put everything on the line today to make that block. That man was all the way downfield before everybody.”

Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain also appreciates Larsen’s steadfast approach on being a team player.

“He’s a cool guy. He’s low-key. He wants to just do his job,” McCain said of Larsen. “He threw the big block at the end and that was big for us. We wouldn’t have scored if it wasn’t for him and Drake’s speed. It was unbelievable.”

Larsen says the final play is one he will never forget.

“That’s something you remember,” Larsen said.

“It just comes back to doing what you practiced. Obviously, we would’ve liked to have had the lead going in and finish the game with the ball but it ended up like it ended up and we fought right to the end.”

Larsen