The Dolphins’ most scrutinized unit will take the field against the Washington Redskins on Sunday with a rookie fourth-round pick at right guard (Jamil Douglas) and a left guard (Dallas Thomas) determined to prove he’s better than the player who struggled mightily at times in the past.
“We are going to surprise people,” Albert assured this week. “Everyone doubted us last year and I think they’re doubting us again.”
Douglas seized the right guard job by outplaying Billy Turner in preseason.
“His level of professionalism for a young player is really impressive,” Philbin said. “He doesn’t seem to get flustered and he he’s picked up the system well. When he’s in there, he’s done a good job, he’s really been solid.”
Albert said Douglas “has a lot of heart. You have to have a lot of heart to go up against [Ndamukong Suh] every day in practice. He’s putting up a fight.” And Pouncey said Douglas is “stronger than me.”
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KeyFin and Larry Little like this.
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I'll believe it when I see it.
But if they're right (and I'd be satisfied with "average"), that I guess removes the only real ?? on the offensive side of this team (other than depth). Very different situation from a few years ago.Phins_Fan_87 likes this. -
I'm looking forward to seeing that offensive line dominate the Redskins defense.
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Count me on the list of those who need to see "it" from Dallas Thomas to believe it. My main concerns with him are balance issues and effective lateral movement, I hope that he plays great, we'll see. Jamil Douglas- I feel pretty good about him- can slide fine for an OG, has decent quicks and is strong at the LOS.
Two mantras linger with me as to the OL (make that three if DT screws up)- Billy Turner should be trained at OT asap and I'm still pissed that the Pats got OGs Tre Jackson and Shaq Mason in the draft. That was a kick in the balls. -
Lol funny post. The Dolphins OL from 2014 was top 3 in run blocking efficiency. Decent in pass pro before Albert was hurt. The people likely to be surprised perhaps haven't been paying attention.
DolphinGreg, Agua, Sceeto and 2 others like this. -
People doubting Dallas Thomas' ability to play OG without a doubt haven't been paying attention.
Larry Little likes this. -
Train Turner at OT, why? James has shown he can handle RT. Albert is a fixture at LT. I'm not saying never play him outside but Turner has better players ahead of him there. He was just beaten out by a rookie at RG. Hard to second guess the coaches on this one IMHO.
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I'm talking about his play at OG in 2014 vs the Bills, Chiefs, Jags. Teams with pretty good DTs.
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If Jamil Douglas can play in the NFL like he did at ASU, he's going to be a special player for us in a couple of years. I think he'll flash a little bit this year, show his potential. Douglas is a very smart, strong, and athletic big man.
I think MrClean was on to something with him. He convinced me.
And, yes, I like what I saw out of Dallas Thomas in the preseason. He's been a different player.
The only thing I'm worried about is Albert's health. If he stays healthy, I think this OL could be really good.xphinfanx likes this. -
I watched a pretty good amount of film of Thomas at UT- there is something about his balance, the way that he sets up, that doesn't sit well with me. It's as if he has pretty nimble feet but his foot/eye coordination is lacking and his lack of proper balance makes him prone to getting knocked backwards, reminiscent of Jonathan Martin in that regard. I hope that he does well tomorrow, we'll see.
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Barring any major injuries, I think the offensive line is going to be fine. It may not be the best in the NFL, but the QB and the RBs will be able to operate sufficiently behind it.