DAVIE - In the last few weeks it hasn't seemed to matter what five offensive linemen the
Dolphins put on the field. They succeed, and so does the offense.
Miami coach Tony Sparano knows the reason.
"They really are a gritty, tenacious, resilient group," Sparano said. "They're doing some ugly things hard. And as long as you're doing them hard you've got a chance, and they're giving us a chance that way."
In the last five games -- a span in which the Dolphins (7-6) have reeled off four victories -- quarterback Chad Henne has only been sacked four times; in the previous six games he was sacked 16 times. In addition, in the last five games Henne has established a franchise record for consecutive passes completed (17 vs. Jacksonville) and established a personal-best 335 yards passing (vs. New England).
As for the ground game, running back
Ricky Williams, who is on course for his first 1,000-yard season since 2003, has rushed for more than 100 yards four times in the last five games.
Sparano gives lots of credit to offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo as well as the players.
"I think that David has done a great job staying on their back, beating them up with fundamentals, making sure that they know," Sparano said, later adding, "I think (guard) Joe Berger, (tackle) Nate Garner, these kind of guys have stepped in there and really done a good job at this point of not only being good physically, but mentally."
The Dolphins have used three starting offensive lines combinations in the last five games.
Against Tampa Bay (Nov. 15) and Carolina (Nov. 19) it was left tackle Jake Long, Garner at left guard, center Jake Grove, right guard Donald Thomas and right tackle Vernon Carey.
Against Buffalo (Nov. 29) and New England (Dec. 6) it was Long at left tackle, Garner at left guard, Berger at center, Thomas at right guard and Carey at right tackle.
On Sunday against Jacksonville it was Long at left tackle, Justin Smiley at left guard, Berger at center, Garner at right guard and Carey at right tackle.
Regardless, it's working. It's not flawless, but it works.
"There weren't many mental problems [Sunday]," Sparano said. "It was a pretty clean game mentally, not necessarily a clean game fundamentally. On the surface we rushed for [146 yards], and Chad had some time back there. But there were a lot of things I didn't like in there, and David didn't like. But the good news is David is a grinder and he'll go get them corrected."
