The Miami Dolphins will be hosting the Indianapolis Colts for a crucial Week 4 match for both teams, and the Dolphins offensive line. The Colts, who have started the season a winless 0-3 will be looking for their first win down in South Beach. The Dolphins, who are coming off an overtime heartbreak loss to the Las Vegas Raiders look to bounce back and get to 2-2. Jacoby Brissett will make his second consecutive start for the Dolphins as Tua Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve last week.
Tagovailoa is nursing fractured ribs he sustained in the week two blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. The injury, which happened on the ninth snap of the game, came after an untouched Bills defender rocked Tagovailoa, forcing him to leave on a cart. The protection in that game was awful, and ultimately it led to Tagovailoa fracturing his ribs.
Protection Must Be Better for Week 4
It isn’t a surprise to anybody watching these Dolphins games that the offensive line is the team’s biggest need. Last week against the Raiders, they played much better than in Week 2, but there is still a major need on that line. Austin Jackson (#73) who the team spent an 18th overall pick on last year has not lived up to the hype. Still very young at only 22 years old, Miami was hoping for a bit more production than what they’ve currently seen. Last week against the Raiders, he showed some flashes in the run game blocking, but his pass blocking is a major issue.
here's a look at tua's 9 snaps from sunday's loss to buffalo pic.twitter.com/wzwRZDiyxG
— josh houtz (@houtz) September 21, 2021
Miami is still in the middle of figuring out who their starting five guys on the line will be. They have had a different offensive line every game this season trying to figure out who the best guys are. Currently, the Dolphins have the 30th ranked offensive line in the league, trailing only the Houston Texans, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since 2016, the Dolphins have been in the bottom of the league in offensive line rankings coming in at number 30th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, and 28th per Pro Football Focus.
Those rankings are obviously horrific for any team, especially one who is still looking for their franchise quarterback. While Tagovailoa has shown flashes he can be great, they need to surround him with talented players around him, especially the big men upfront. It’s not just the players though. Coaching is a huge part of the offensive line, teaching guys different protections and what to do when a play breaks down.
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Colts Defense Looking To Attack Dolphins Line
While the Colts are 0-3, their defense, especially their front seven can easily cause havoc upfront. Deforest Buckner will most likely be double-teamed a lot in this game, leading to a lot of potential one-on-one battles in the trenches. Darius Leonard, who is arguably the best linebacker in the NFL will also look to make a huge impact for the Colts.
The Dolphins will be hosting this one giving them the home-field advantage, and a weather one as well. It is expected to be sunny skies and 85 degrees on Sunday at kickoff. This game could also be a little bit of a revenge game for now Dolphins quarterback Jacoby Brissett, as he was with the Colts for five seasons before signing with Miami on a one-year deal this season.
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