Miami Dolphins patchwork offensive line getting it done

[BAMAPHIN 22]

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.
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[jvw]

I agree with Sparano.....the new OL coach has been great, no matter who is in the game they know what to do, very few mental mistakes.......great addition to our staff...

 

[Dolphindrew]

Is it really patch-work or are they purposely running guys in and out to keep people fresh? It seems more like depth than patch-work to me, but I could be very wrong. I thought Sunday's announcers did a great job of stating the OL changes throughout the game, and they did so about 20 times it seemed.

 

[PerfectFinz72]

Is it really patch-work or are they purposely running guys in and out to keep people fresh? It seems more like depth than patch-work to me, but I could be very wrong. I thought Sunday's announcers did a great job of stating the OL changes throughout the game, and they did so about 20 times it seemed.

A little of both. Injuries have played a part too.

 

[Tunaphish429]

I thought losing Grove would have been huge...but we have not skipped a beat..We did not run very well in the Pats game..Ricky had a good average but they stuffed us a few times..The pass protection has been very good..

Getting this O line coach has been huge..Remember how awful they all looked on opening day...

I love that they rotate O linemen to keep them fresh that is a great asset..

It makes perfect sense D linemen rotate why not O linemen... Plus Sparano has said that they are treating Thomas like a rookie..

 

[Valandui]

Is it really patchwork if we are only missing one starter?

 

[oasis]

When you have seven or eight guys that appear to be able to play as a cohesive unit, why not cycle them in and out to keep them fresh? I've never really seen that done for an O-line, the argument against it being that 5 guys need to gel as a unit. But if we have the talent, communication, and coaching to do it, it sure seems like it would give us a huge advantage. I have certainly liked the unbalancing of the line here and there - creativity and cycling leads to great success in general with a defensive line, so why not with an offensive line?