The offensive line issues that plagued the Miami Dolphins in 2019 were hardly exclusive to last season. In general, offensive line play for the Dolphins this past decade as a whole could best be described as problematic. The Dolphins have long seen their offenses hindered by insufficient pass protection and irregular results in trying to uproot defenders in the run game. It’s no coincidence that Miami’s best offensive line unit (the 2016 group) since “Bully Gate” with Jon Martin and Richie Incognito helped the Dolphins to a 10-6 record. That group offered Branden Albert, Laremy Tunsil, Mike Pouncey, Jermon Bushrod and Ja’Wuan James up front when healthy — a viable group indeed.
The team is hoping that a new year and a new unit can bring some level of stability to the trenches in 2020 — led by new offensive line coach Steve Marshall. Dolphins head coach Brian Flores was asked on Monday about the decision to hire Marshall this offseason to mold the team’s young linemen.
“I thought that it was important to go with someone who was familiar with (Chan Gailey’s) style of play. That played a role in hiring Steve. He’s a good coach. He’s a very good teacher of o-line play,” said Flores.
“I had a good feeling and a good vibe when we had our interview process. He works well with Chan, he works well with the offensive staff, he’s a good coach, he’s a tough coach, he asks a lot of his players. So far it’s been good. Obviously we haven’t – it’s been all walkthrough. We can only evaluate what we’ve done so far, so I’ve been pleased with that.”
Throughout the course of his expansive coaching career, Marshall has served as an NFL offensive line coach for the Packers, the Texans, the Browns and most recently the New York Jets while also providing tons of college programs with his services — both as a position coach and an offensive coordinator. Marshall’s last pro stop with the Jets wasn’t overly impressive, but neither was the talent he had to work with. So if Marshall is going to see his unit gel and formulate an identity that can help the Dolphins win consistently, his teaching will play a factor. But so, too, will Miami’s continued commitment to getting the personnel right.
