2022 was a rollercoaster season for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
He helped his team make the postseason for the first time since 2016, leading them to a 8-5 record in the 13 games that he started. He also set career highs in passing yards (3,548) and touchdowns (25) while leading the league in passer rating (105.5).
However, Tagovailoa also dealt with two confirmed concussions which cut his season short, preventing him from playing in the team’s final three games, including Miami’s wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
While the Dolphins did some things to add to improve their offense this offseason, such as adding Braxton Berrios, Chosen Anderson, Eric Saubert and rookie running back Devon Achane, the offensive line still appears to be one of their biggest issues.
In fact, one NFL executive believes the unit up front could end up being the downfall for whoever is under center for the aqua and orange.
“Their whole thing hinges on what they get from the quarterback,” an anonymous exec told The Athletic’s Mike Sando. “They have enough to score points if they have a quarterback who can operate the offense. Their Achilles heel is their offensive line is very limited, and because of it, whoever is standing back there gets hit, and this particular quarterback is not going to hold up.”
In 2022, Miami added Terron Armstead and Connor Williams in free agency to fill the left tackle and center spots, respectively. And, with Robert Hunt manning the right guard position, only left guard and right tackle have been up in the air.
Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson were tabbed as starters for 2022 and appear to be headed in the same direction for 2023. The Dolphins added Dan Feeney and seventh-round pick Ryan Hayes to potentially compete for starting spots, at best, or provide depth, at worst.
With new offensive line coach Butch Barry entering the fold this offseason, Miami will need better results to keep Tagovailoa on his feet. If they can do that, the Dolphins will be able to compete with most teams.
