What to expect: In my opinion, the performance of the offensive line is going to be the biggest key in determining how well the Dolphins perform this season and whether the games that are played in December will have any playoff implications for the team. Of course, it's very hard to predict just what can be expected from this year's line since there will be a new starter at every position. Sure there are some returning faces, but they've all been shuffled around to a new spot. First and foremost, that points to there being a substantial adjustment period at the beginning of the season, during which the team may have to suffer through some potentially devastating poor performances by the line as a whole. It can't just be expected that an entirely rebuilt line will be playing at its top potential from week one. That leaves us with the question of when the line will begin to jell. Will they find their stride quickly by say week 5, or will the process last much longer into the season? Another valid question - will the line come together at all? Unfortunately, no one can really answer those questions at this point. The only thing that is certain is that the line must improve from last season if this offense is going to get anything accomplished. All aspects of the offense are predicated on and driven by the protection and blocking of the line. For a team like Miami whose undoing in the recent past has always been the result of an inept offense, there can be no critical improvements in overall success unless the O-line finds a way to improve.
Here's a closer look at the individual offensive linemen currently on the roster and what can be expected of them this coming season:
Vernon Carey
Carey is the best offensive lineman on the roster. Last year, he really emerged as a bright young player and proved to everyone that he was worthy of a first-round draft pick. Of course, that breakout happened while starting at right tackle. This year, he will be switching over to the most important position on the line - left tackle. That's also the most difficult and demanding position on the line. Early in his career, he saw time at LT but didn't show the confidence or physical skills necessary to excel there. This offseason he seems to have regained the confidence to take on the LT position. There he will be charged with protecting the blind side of Trent Green. I would have liked to see Carey remain at RT where he played so well, but the team simply doesn't have another adequate option to start at LT. Anthony Alabi was given a shot, but he went down with an injury. This means that if Carey is forced to miss time, the team could be in serious trouble. I think that Carey has the ability to play LT well, although I'm afraid that he isn't going to receive the support that he will need. By that I am referring to the left guard position, which is the weakest point on the line and perhaps the weakest position on the entire team. Whether he's playing next to a very average (at best) Chris Liwienski or a very green Drew Mormino, Carey truly is going to be alone on an island. That is going to make it very easy for teams to line up their top pass rushers over Carey and let them go wild on the QB. Training camp is going to be the first step in showing that Carey has the ability to go out on an island and take care of his assigned man in space - and he will have the perfect opponent to practice against: Jason Taylor.
