Dolphins Face Offensive Line Crisis Ahead of Patriots Showdown
The Miami Dolphins are already grappling with significant challenges on their offensive line, just two weeks into the NFL season. With injuries mounting, the team is in a race against time to find viable replacements for key starters as they prepare for a critical matchup against the New England Patriots.
Injury Updates on Key Players
As the Dolphins head into Week 2, the injury report reveals troubling news for their offensive front. Starting guard James Daniels entered the season with an ankle injury and now faces a pectoral injury that will sideline him for several weeks. Meanwhile, right tackle Austin Jackson is dealing with a toe injury, the severity of which is still being assessed. The potential absence of both players puts the Dolphins in a precarious position as they aim to solidify their offensive line against a formidable Patriots defense.
Potential Replacements on the Depth Chart
Given the current landscape of injuries, the Dolphins must turn to their depth chart to fill the gaps left by Daniels and Jackson.
The Likely Choices: Kion Smith and Larry Borom
If betting were to take place, Kion Smith and Larry Borom would likely be the favored pair to step into the starting roles. Smith took over for Daniels, while Borom filled in for Jackson during the team’s previous game. While Borom’s performance was limited, Smith struggled significantly, earning the label of the team’s least effective offensive lineman against the Colts. Despite this, Smith’s inexperience is a factor; he had only previously played 70 snaps, all at tackle, before being thrust into a guard position.
Borom, on the other hand, has been working diligently to adjust to the demands of the line after stepping in for Jackson, who missed substantial time during the preseason. Although Borom had a rough start to the preseason, he appeared to settle in during a later game against the Jaguars, despite online critiques regarding his early struggles.
The Veteran Presence: Daniel Brunskill and Larry Borom
The Dolphins also have veteran offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill on their roster. Acquired late in the summer, Brunskill is listed as a backup center but brings considerable experience from his time as a right guard with the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans. Under the tutelage of head coach Mike McDaniel, Brunskill is well-versed in the Dolphins’ offensive scheme.
While he allowed 11 quarterback pressures and no sacks on 218 pass-blocking snaps last season, his experience could prove invaluable for the Dolphins. Pairing Brunskill with Borom could offer the team a more seasoned front, despite neither player being particularly stellar.
The Wild Card: Larry Borom and Kendall Lamm
Another option could involve Kendall Lamm, who was added to the roster following the final cuts but remained inactive during Week 1. If Jackson is confirmed to miss several weeks, Lamm’s return to the lineup could be beneficial. He showcased solid performance while filling in for Jackson last season, particularly in pass protection where his agility and technique allowed him to handle quick matchups effectively. However, Lamm struggled in the run game, and his recent preseason performance with the Eagles raised concerns about his readiness.
Additionally, the Dolphins could consider moving Borom back to guard, his position during his time with the Bears. His athleticism and aggressive play style could translate well to the interior of the line, potentially providing a boost for the struggling offense.
Don’t Overlook Braeden Daniels
Finally, Braeden Daniels, currently on the practice squad, is a name to watch. During the preseason, he demonstrated promising potential at guard, arguably outperforming Smith. Standing at 6’4″ and 305 pounds, Daniels displayed both power and aggression in his limited snaps. While the depth chart is crowded, another injury could open the door for Daniels to contribute at a critical juncture.
As the Dolphins prepare for their upcoming game, the pressure is on to solidify their offensive line amid adversity. The decisions made in the coming days will be pivotal not only for the team’s performance against the Patriots but also for the trajectory of their season.
