Rookie Resurgence: Jonah Savaiinaea’s Remarkable Turnaround
In the world of professional football, the path to success is rarely linear. For Miami Dolphins rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, the journey has been marked by significant bumps along the way. However, recent performances have showcased a dramatic turnaround, leaving critics stunned and fans hopeful.
A Rocky Start for Savaiinaea
The Dolphins made a bold move this offseason, trading up in the second round to select Savaiinaea, effectively handing him a starting position. However, the early stages of his NFL career were anything but smooth. Throughout much of the season, Savaiinaea struggled, particularly in pass protection, where his performance ranked among the lowest of all NFL guards. His run-blocking skills, while not as severely criticized, remained inconsistent, further compounding the challenges he faced on the field.
Signs of Improvement
Despite the rocky start, Savaiinaea has shown signs of marked improvement over the past two weeks. He has allowed just three total pressures during this period, a stark contrast to earlier in the season when he frequently surrendered three or more pressures in individual games. This shift has been encouraging for both the player and the Dolphins’ coaching staff.
Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith acknowledged this progress, stating, “I think it’s basically the improvement comes through playing games, right?” He explained that Savaiinaea’s transition from college to the NFL, particularly switching positions, necessitated a learning curve. “There’s gonna be learning that comes with it,” he added, emphasizing that growth often emerges from facing adversity.
Navigating Position Changes
Savaiinaea’s transition has not been without its challenges. While he played on the left side and at guard during his college years, he hadn’t previously occupied the left guard position at Arizona. Nevertheless, the coaching staff has maintained all season that Savaiinaea’s struggles were not merely a result of his position change, and the film supports this assertion.
Identifying Key Issues
A critical area for improvement in Savaiinaea’s game has been his approach to pass protection. He developed a tendency to throw his hands early in his set, making him vulnerable to defensive linemen adept at utilizing arm-over moves to bypass him. This pattern led to many early-season pressures that could be traced back to that singular flaw.
Frank Smith noted that this is a common pitfall for rookies, stating, “Rookies have to understand growth comes from failure.” He reflected on the unique challenges that come with competing at the NFL level, where the players are often more experienced and skilled. “You might have to play someone who’s 32 years old and has been playing for a long time,” Smith pointed out, highlighting the steep learning curve for newcomers to the league.
Building Momentum
Despite a setback that saw Savaiinaea allow a sack against the New Orleans Saints, he delivered his best pass protection performance of the season in that game. Playing 59 snaps, he was predominantly a positive force on the field. His run-blocking has also exhibited more consistency, allowing him to tap into the athleticism that initially drew the Dolphins to him during the draft.
While Savaiinaea still has room for growth, the last two games represent significant strides in his development. The expectations are high given the investment the Dolphins made in him, and he will need to continue improving to meet those standards. However, if he maintains this upward trajectory, the Dolphins are poised to reap the rewards of their patience and faith in his potential.
