Marcel Louis-JacquesMay 21st, 2023, 15:35Lectra: 4 min.
Tua considered retired due to concussion
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa explains why he considered retiring after suffering multiple injuries last season.
Miami hopes to end its volatility with a series of hires to deepen unit
MIAMI – Death, taxes and talking about it offensive line Did miami dolphins, It’s an inescapable reality for sports fans in South Florida.
A shaky group has plagued an already shaky franchise over the past decade, especially the past five seasons, which have produced more coaches offensive line (six) compared to Pro Bowlers (one). This off season started with a family start Dolphin Firing and hiring another position coach, however, miami Wait for the cycle to end here.
last season, miami acquired Pro Bowl left tackle Teron Armstead and center Connor Williams in their starting lineup, resulting in a slight increase in productivity. However, any improvement was hampered by injuries to tackle Austin Jackson and left guard Liam Eichenberg. Dolphin They were forced to employ different linemen throughout the season, resulting in the ninth-worst game in blocks allowed in the NFL.
The Miami Dolphins added depth to their offensive line for the 2023 season.AP Photo
General manager Chris Grier stated that the position was not necessarily an area of ​​concern and that the team was more focused on adding depth, getting healthy and developing the players they already had.
“In our particular situation, you’re always trying to figure out what’s the right solution for your team,” Grier said.
There were no signings on the scale of last off-season, but Dolphin signed several that improved them offensive line Usually in the last few months. Former first-round selectors Isaiah Wynn and Cedric Ogbuhi should push Jackson for the starting right tackle job and give him Dolphin A viable backup should Armstead miss playing time.
Dan Feeney has experience as a starting point guard and could fill in for Eichenberg if he gets injured or isn’t effective.
loss Dolphin They are also looking for continuity on the bench after sacking the coach of offensive line Hire freshman Matt Applebaum and former basketball coach offensive line Denver Broncos Butch Barry. Head coach Mike McDaniel said the move was made to take pressure off offensive coordinator Frank Smith.
“The way the coaching staff was assembled last year, it really needed more work from Frank Smith as offensive coordinator and he was very dedicated to that. offensive lineMcDaniel said. “And selfishly, I want more to make some things easier for myself.”
Barry has nine years of NFL coaching experience, including one season with the San Francisco 49ers, where he worked with McDaniel, who was the tight ends coach. DolphinJohn Embry, and running backs Rahim Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
Even in their only campaign together, Barrie impressed Mostert. Your vote of confidence is sufficient before the activities organized by the team.
“If the forwards can do that then we are in good hands,” Mostert said. “Especially with Frank to help, then we also have Butch. I’m very familiar with Butch from San Francisco, so he’s going to do well.”
buried by lack of depth offensive line Did Dolphin Questions about the past season and the future of the line remained with Williams and right guard Rob Hunt set to enter free agency next season. But this management hopes to have learned from past mistakes and seems prepared for anything. Dolphin Facing another wave of injuries in 2023.
