Miami Dolphins: Why Is No One Talking About the Offensive Line?

As I was finishing my thoughts/opinion on Chad Henne, it occurred to me that I have even deviated from what I coach my football teams of past: 

Football domination starts on the line of scrimmage. It was clear that the Fin's interior line is in need of transition and stability. 

Currently, here's what I think makes the most sense on the Miami Dolphins offensive line: 

LT: Jake Long, LG Nate Garner (I.R.), C Richie Incognito, RG John Jerry, RT Vernon Carey....sigh (in a bad way). 

The Sun Sentinel (March 23, 2011) reported that Sparano is going to limit or discontinue his practice of shuffling players in and out during training.  He said that this practice last year was necessary because of injury and that's completely understandable. The Dolphins were injured up and down the line all year long. However, there was no cohesiveness between the first and second string lineman.

Jerry did not play as well as the coaches wanted and everyone else got hurt. During the camp, Sparano continued to usher players in and out of the huddle, attempting to install players who were multi-dimensional lineman. This clearly was not very effective. It led to Sparano opening the door to former Cowboys lineman with the hope that they could shore up a depleted line. 

The coaching staff is committed to both Jake Long and Vernon Carey at the tackle positions because of their price tag. Now I'm not saying that they should pay Long money to another guard or center. However, commit! Commit to Jerry at guard. Was he really as bad as McQuistan? I don't think it mattered the longer the season went. It was as if the Dolphins were implementing the third down offense on the O-line, like a third down running back or receiver.

One can NEVER platoon offensive linemen in and expect to have success. At one point in the season, I didn't know the Dolphin's offensive line could impersonate a sieve in both the running and passing game. 

I sincerely believe that: Sparano deserved another shot to make it right, Henne deserved another opportunity to compete. If Sparano has now told the fans that he plans to commit to the stability of the o-line, awesome. This may translate into several offensive line draft picks starting in the first through third round.

Why?

Because Ireland likes to double up to create growth and competition. If taking an offensive lineman in the first round is plausible, then assume the Dolphins to trade down. They really need to nevertheless. They showed very little confidence in Jerry. I really look forward to seeing a season with Garner in place, he was spectacular before injury. 

I really like two offensive lineman: Nate Solder and Stefen Wisniewski.

Why?

Both are clearly athletic. Yes, Solder would be a backup unless the coaching staff decided otherwise. I love mobile offensive lineman because they operate well in space, they don't fall to the floor as much because they're agile and they rely on all of their ability rather than blocking as a one-dimensional "mauler." 

I got the feeling that last season the Dolphins wanted to employ the spread offense with a running game which mirrored the Giants from the 1980's. That is my opinion. They lacked flow because of the offensive line, which could only do so much and accomplished very little. If the Fins want to go with a creative spread-type offense, then they must focus in on athletic offensive lineman.

Athletes can get downfield and provide what Sparano calls, "second level blocking" (Sun Sentinel, same article as quoted above). To me, Long, Garner, Incognito and Carey fit this scheme decently. I don't think James does. I believe that Wisniewski would be highly competitive. He started at Penn State as a freshman.

A freshman.

He played both guard and center. He comes ready made for a Sparano-type offensive line. I think of Mark Schlereth (without some of the dirty moves) when I watch Wisniewski play. Yes, I like him that much. 

I would not be surprised to see Ireland and company focus in on solidifying the offensive line through multiple picks in the draft rounds one through three. I think it is important to plan ahead for the diminishing talents of Vernon Carey, due to injury. Some have talked about Carey moving to guard, Sparano has (for the moment) shot that idea down.

It doesn't matter if we're talking high school, college or professional football. The solidifying of the offensive line is where the 2011 Miami Dolphins must begin.