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Title: Dolphins' offensive line is turning things around Post by: DolFan619 on August 18, 2008, 01:21:12 am http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/646284.html
Dolphins' offensive line is turning things around BY JEFF DARLINGTON Miami Herald The quarterbacks clearly had something to do with the success. So did running back Ricky Williams. Same goes for wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. That much was obvious. But as the Dolphins' offense took its first step toward respectability Saturday in a 19-14 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it was the signs of quiet, much-needed improvement from the offensive line that should signal equal reasons for hope. ''They got banged around early in training camp, but I think they're starting to get a little better,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``We've got a long way to go -- a long way to go with that group. But I was pleased [Saturday].'' NO EASY ANSWERS In a classic chicken-or-the-egg scenario, Miami's offensive struggles through training camp haven't always been easy to pin down. Was the offensive line causing the quarterbacks to rush too often? Or were the quarterbacks the ones making this unit look far less impressive than many expected after an offseason of improvements? No doubt, quarterback Chad Pennington's patient but effective play shouldn't be understated. But the strides made by the offensive line Saturday should also provide some proof that this situation is a result of more than one simple factor. ''The offensive line did a great job keeping the pocket clean, allowing the quarterbacks to step up and make the throws,'' Pennington said. ``Throughout the whole week, I've seen their progress and how they're getting better.'' After giving up four sacks last week (it should be noted that two came in the fourth quarter with deep backups in the game), Miami's line didn't give up any in Jacksonville. There still was a good share of issues, such as on an important play with 40 seconds left in the second quarter. With the starters in the game, a breakdown on the line caused running back Patrick Cobbs to get stuffed for a 3-yard loss and nearly took Miami out of field-goal range. But those hiccups didn't occur nearly as often as they have in camp. Rookie left tackle Jake Long said he believes he will begin to quickly start eliminating any major issues from his game as he adjusts to the speed of the game. Long had some trouble in his first preseason game, but he appeared more acclimated this time around. ''The biggest thing was adjusting to the speed of the game and seeing how big the playbook is,'' Long said Saturday of his introduction to the NFL. ``I've been trying real hard to take everything in stride and work hard to soak it all in.'' But the early struggles weren't just on Long. The team is still needing to figure out a fluidly changing situation at the guard spots, where questions continue to face each of the potential candidates. TURNING IT AROUND Justin Smiley and Steve McKinney -- who were picked up as free agents this offseason -- are starting to come around, but whether one or both can stay healthy is a question that likely will follow them into the start of the regular season. Smiley, for one, hasn't adjusted to the new line quite as quickly as the Dolphins hoped, but he seems to be growing more comfortable on the left side. The slow start was not a reason for concern, but his progress is nonetheless a good sign. Meanwhile, a strong start to training camp from rookie Donald Thomas has eased up a bit, causing Trey Darilek to push for more first-team looks. Thomas, though, still started at right guard Saturday. If any pair of the current guards -- whether Thomas, Darilek, Smiley, McKinney or rookie Shawn Murphy -- can step up and embrace a starting job, the line could see even more drastic improvements as the chemistry of the unit comes together. For now, though, Saturday's signs of steady improvement at least provided Sparano with reason to believe that the unit is starting to come together as the season nears closer. Considering how much was invested in the line's reconstruction this offseason, those flashes of progress will most certainly be welcomed in Miami. ''I thought they competed hard, and that's a good thing,'' Sparano said. ``I really want to see those guys have some success.'' |