These Dolphins Players will have an opportunity to shine, amid injuries.
Opportunity for Dolphins to Shine
On the defensive side of the ball, the most prominent injury was to Jaelan Phillips. The first two Miami Dolphins players who will have an opportunity to shine are Andrew Van Ginkel and Emmanuel Ogbah. Both are already showing show they are up for the challenge of trying to fill Phillips’ shoes. With what looked like a serious injury to linebacker Jerome Baker, Duke Riley will also given an opportunity to shine at the linebacker position. The offensive line, Terron Armstead mainly, continues to fight nagging injuries.
Shine Time: Andrew Van Ginkel
Andrew Van Ginkel is another player on the defensive side of the ball, who has and will continue to see more playing time. Van Ginkel made the most of his playing time against the Commanders, the first game the Dolphins played without the presence of Phillips. Van Ginkel had a pick-six in the Dolphins 45-15 win over the Commanders. He will need to continue to shine, especially if Jerome Baker is also lost for significant time.
Shine Time: Emmanuel Ogbah
Without Phillips, the Dolphins have also increased the playing time of Emmanuel Ogbah. Ogbah did not disappoint, recording a sack of Washington quarterback, Sam Howell. Ogbah also contributed a team tackle in the win on Sunday. He will also need to continue to shine for the Dolphins to keep winning.
Shine Time: Duke Riley
Duke Riley is another player who will have an opportunity to shine. Riley came on in place of the injured Jerome Baker. Riley had eight tackles including three solo in Washington on Sunday. The potential for Baker to miss at least one game seems very likely as he has been diagnosed with an MCL sprain. Riley will need to continue to perform at the level he did in the Nation’s capital, this past Sunday.
Shine Time: Jason Pierre-Paul
Jason Pierre Paul was signed to the team in the wake of Phillips’ injury. Pierre-Paul is far from his ultra-productive days when he played for the New York Giants. He still has some gas left in the tank, so to speak. If Baker is out for an extended period, Pierre-Paul is a great insurance policy to have. Like his aforementioned teammates, JPP will also get an opportunity to shine.
Shine Time: The Offensive Line
With Terron Armstead’s status questionable every week, the rest of the offensive line will get the opportunity to shine, as well. The Dolphins may also want to consider working out a lineman who may provide depth at the position that has been a big part of the Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa’s success this season.
Takeaway
Since the Dolphins will be without Jaelan Phillips for the rest of the season many players will have an opportunity to shine. Additionally, the Dolphins may be without Jerome Baker for an extended period of time. The Dolphins may also need to address depth on the offensive line as Terron Armstead typically starts, but can rarely finish games this season. If the Dolphins want to stay competitive they will need their depth players to shine. To this point, it looks as though the likes of Ogbah, Van Ginkel, and Riley are already beaming.
Main Photo: [Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com] – USA Today Sports
