The Miami Dolphins didn’t have a flawless outing on Sunday. Truthfully, the game likely should have gone the New York Jets’ way. While Miami’s defense struggled, the offensive line kept the team in a position to secure a victory.
The Jets’ defensive front, known for its strength, showcased its dominance by limiting Miami’s rushing game to just 44 yards. While the Dolphins’ offensive line is far from elite and remains wildly inconsistent, they excelled in one crucial area: keeping Tua Tagovailoa well-protected in the pocket.
Brian Costello of the New York Post, who covers the now-eliminated Jets, highlighted an impressive statistic from Week 14.
That performance was particularly noteworthy, considering the offensive line allowed six sacks against the Green Bay Packers the previous week. Still, the Dolphins’ offensive line continues to be defined by its inconsistency from week to week.
Patrick Paul was impressive stepping in for Terron Armstead in Sunday’s Dolphins win
The Miami Dolphins will need to replicate their strong pass protection this week when they face another formidable front seven in the Houston Texans. Keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright and out of harm’s way is critical, as it allows him to go through his progressions rather than settling for quick reads or checkdowns. If the Dolphins hope to stay in the playoff hunt, they must secure a win—and that starts with giving Tua the time he needs in the pocket and minimizing the defensive pressure.
The Jets made an effort to pressure Tua, but he managed to evade their defenders and extend plays.
On the sideline, Terron Armstead appeared visibly dejected, perhaps sensing his season might be over. While that may not be the case, the veteran left tackle exited the game with a knee injury that has plagued him throughout the season. In his absence, rookie Patrick Paul stepped in on the left side. Though Paul struggled in run blocking, he performed admirably in pass protection.
The Dolphins need Paul to quickly adapt to the speed and physicality of the NFL, as he may be the starting left tackle for the remainder of the season, depending on Armstead’s recovery plan.
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