There Is No “I” In “Team,” But There Is A “T” And, In The Case Of The Dolphins, There Better Be A Big “OL”
by Larry Turner

The headline above might be a takeoff on what today is a worn, trite cliché, but the truth in its meaning is undeniable.

The Dolphin defense, its secondary, linebackers and defensive line, are solid. I could add “barring injuries,” but in sports every statement could include that caveat, so we’ll leave it alone from now on.

Also, there can be no questioning the speed and skill of the receivers, and speed can produce a lot of desirable results. For the running backs, there needs to be added the component of strength so that they can not only turn the corners but also break arm and off-balance tackles. The team seems to have that element of the position covered as well.
That pretty much brings us to the quarterback. It might surprise you, but I for one really don’t know the full potential of Tua. He has suffered injuries, often been behind a weakened offensive line, and been at a disadvantage not being able to see over today’s giant linemen. That leads us to the one place the Dolphins have been vulner-able over the last several years, the offensive line.

It doesn’t matter how skilled and elusive Tua is, if he does not receive the protection needed for plays to develop and receivers to make their moves on the defenders, we will never be able to evaluate his true worth to this team.

This has been the case over several years, although last year the line seemed greatly improved until it began suffering injuries that required changes in personnel at certain positions and using reserves as starters, with little talent remaining on the bench in the case of further injuries.

My instincts tell me that management will somehow develop a strong, nimble, cohesive offensive line that should have the ability to let Tua loose to wave his magic wand in the direction of his streaking receivers or to pull the ball down and let the “rammers” behind him deliver damage to the opposition linemen still standing.

I am through wishing for an exciting season. This year should see the team turn the corner and go deep into the playoffs. Barring injuries, of course!