O-line clearly Miami’s weakest link

By Marc Hudgens  |   Wednesday, August 22, 2007  |  Comments( 12 )

Miami Dolphins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Although the Miami Dolphins' running game has promise, the backs will obviously struggle if the team's offensive line is below average this season. According to the most recent info, Vernon Carey will start at left tackle; Chris Liewienski will line up at left guard; rookie Samson Satele is the center; Rex Hadnot is the No. 1 right guard; and a third-year player, Anthony Alabi, is listed first on the depth chart at right tackle.

As of now, the starters are either potentially injury-prone, outright injured, or various shades of green.

Carey sustained a minor knee injury during the preseason opener against Jacksonville; Alabi sprained his right knee two weeks ago; and Hadnot sustained a bloody toenail injury Sunday as a result of Alabi's 315-pound frame stepping on it, resulting in Hadnot missing Monday morning practice as a result.

If Alabi's knee worsens, L.J. Shelton, who was described by head coach Cam Cameron as "doing a pretty good job" and has trimmed down to a svelte 330, will most likely take over.

Aside from his nine years experience in the NFL, Liwienski is a new Dolphin and is learning a new scheme, and Satele is a rookie fresh out of Hawaii. Carey is somewhat green in that he's playing a new position.

With Carey's injury being considered minor, it appears the most reliable side is the left, which should protect quarterback Trent Green from getting blindsided. Green, Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman will also need fullbacks Cory Schlesinger and rookie Reagan Mauia as well as tight end David Martin to step up in the blocking department.

Compounding these issues, the coaching staff is having a difficult time in deciding on whom the starters will be on the O-line. It's no secret there's a musical chairs act going on at camp, and it must be resolved quickly for the unit to jell. Exceptions are that Carey and Satele have locked up starting positions, at least for now.

Uncertainty on the line doesn't spell good news for the offense in general, of course. The ground game will be stifled, and even an average amount of opposing pass rush will slip through the line.

The silver lining in all the Dolphins' problems offensively is third-year line coach Hudson Houck, who's known for his ability to do more with less. If he has any tricks up his sleeve, he'll need to use them all to get the line going.

There's no doubt that whether Miami's offense sizzles or fizzles this year will depend on the offensive line. At this point, things aren't exactly looking up.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (12)

About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report