Doubt around the Miami Dolphins in 2021 is likely going to come from one of two places: skepticism of the size of a leap that second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is capable of making in his first full season as the team’s starter and the offensive line. There’s plenty of unknown up front for the Dolphins, but there’s also plenty of youth and ample potential available to the Dolphins, too.
Some early preseason frustrations against the Chicago Bears appeared to prompt some to push the panic button — and the Dolphins themselves did go out to secure more offensive tackle depth in the days that followed, trading for third-year tackle Greg Little.
But those in the trenches seem to be encouraged by Miami’s progress over the course of the last month since the start of training camp. Veteran offensive lineman Jesse Davis, currently penciled in to start at right tackle, included.
Davis met with the media after practice on Thursday and offered an encouraging assessment of the growth Miami has put on display, particularly in the run game, thanks to their heavy-hitting interior trio.
“Right now I think our run blocking has come alive a lot. I think with Rob Hunt and Solomon Kindley at guard and (Michael) Deiter at center, those guys can move some guys and set up some good blocks for our tackles. I want to say we are pretty balanced but right now I can’t tell,” said Davis.
This unit was never going to be an instant product. Only left tackle Austin Jackson entered camp pencilled in to play the same role as he’d filled the year prior. And while joint practices and preseason games have helped speed the development up, we’re still in the infancy stages of the 2021 season. And Davis sees that alongside the progress, too.
“It’s hard to tell with only playing limited reps with the guys. I think, right now, we are still growing obviously. I think we are headed in the right direction, that’s for sure.”