5 reasons the Dolphins can’t lose Ryan Tannehill
By Joe Romano
2 – The Dolphins’ line is improved
The Dolphins entered last season not really sure what they had in their offensive line.
Young players were scattered in with some veterans. Brandon Albert, the team’s starting left tackle, is gone via a trade to Jacksonville. Laremy Tunsil, the team’s former first-round pick, will take over at left tackle. He was considered one of the best tackles of his draft class and fell due to the now infamous “gas mask video”.
Mike Pouncey enters the season healthy for what feels like the first time in a while. Ja’Waun James is entrenched at the right tackle spot and also healthy after missing a chunk of 2015. Former Pro-Bowler Jermon Bushrod mans one guard spot but his play last season was shaky as best. The other spot looks to be a camp battle to play out.
The two quality bookends and pivot spot are poised to help Tannehill and Ajayi continuously improve. Health and Tunsil moving back to the tackle position will be the key. The unit did improve in pass protection last year, only allowing 30 sacks. The offensive line was on and off last year but finished the season with a disastrous performance against the Steelers.
The loss of Tannehill will place more pressure on the young guys up front to open up lanes for Ajayi and protect the far less athletic Matt Moore.