Everyone is freaking out about protection for Ryan, and ignoring that the core of this group allowed a career low in sacks last season for Ryan. 30 sacks allowed, and the bulk was the first 5 games when we were unsettled on the line and Thomas and Turner were playing. I don't see us being worse than last year in pass protection. We had an undrafted free agent playing center for 12 games, and two guys starting at G who had never taken snaps at G in their career.
Where this group fell short was run blocking. I don't have a lot a hope this group will emerge as a the best run blocking team, but there should be an improvement. Larsen is a natural guard, and Bushrod should be more fluid in his 2nd season. Its going to come down to how many games Pouncey plays. I also am not counting on Asiata, but run blocking is where he excelled, so if we struggle hopefully he can add a charge.
I am counting on Asiata. IMHO, he is the best guard we have on our roster now that he's signed. Is he perfect? No. But he is going to be a solid pass protector and _by far_ our best run blocking OL.
I wouldn't say I'm happy about our pass protection, but you're right, after those first 5 games where the team needed to learn the system, we did get OK pass protection, and went on a massive winning streak in large part because the offense came together. But, we saw a totally dominant team when we could run the ball. IMHO, that's the key to the Dolphins going from a mid-range team with a chance for the playoffs to a strong team that expects the playoffs every year.
Also, we have far too many good players and high paychecks for this defense to be anything but good. I expect a major improvement this year or a major re-alignment of our defense.
We may or may not win 10 games again ... but this team will be improved. Our defense was upgraded at every level (Harris and some depth along the DL, McMillan, Timmons at LB, and McDonald, Tankersley and health of Jones, Maxwell and Howard). Our offense looked good after the initial learning of the system, and I expect to pick up where we left off last year.
The OL is the only thing holding this offense back from making the jump from decent to dominant. After correctly addressing the defense in the draft this year, I'm expecting the OL to be addressed next year. James, who to this point has underperformed, will either get a big contract or be replaced. Bushrod, who has filled in admirably, but is old and a liability in the run game, will need to be replaced. Pouncey, who has missed far too many games because of injury, is reaching that prove-it time as well. That's 3 starters along an OL that should realistically feature an anchor LT (Tunsil) and a solid LG (Asiata) who are both young. I'd call this a transition year for our OL, because I'm expecting a lot of big decisions to be made about our OL next offseason.