Powerful Offensive Line Should Pave Way for Strong Running Game
It was pretty evident from Friday night what the Dolphins’ plan is on offense this season.
Run the ball.
Beyond relying on the ground game, it seems Miami wants to lean on their young, big offensive guards to lead the way.
In their preseason opener against the Commanders, Miami ran between the tackles with both De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, having a lot of success with both.
It was a big night for the three men in the middle of Miami’s offensive line, as both Kadyn Proctor and Jonah Savaiinaea had strong debuts in 2026.
The night was especially important for Savaiinea, as it seemed like the 2025 second-round pick had lost a lot of confidence after a down rookie season at left guard.
But now, after moving to right guard in the off-season, he has regained his confidence, and that has made a difference in what seems like it should be a strong bounce-back year for the player.
It was a similarly confidence-boosting debut for Proctor, as the rookie out of Alabama bullied defensive interior linemen over the two series he played.
Alongside the rock-solid play of center Aaron Brewer, Miami should be able to run the ball with plenty of efficiency up the middle.
It was not just the middle of the line that had a strong night.
It was also both tackles, as Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson also contributed to Miami’s long, efficient opening drive for the starting unit.
They also held up on passing downs for new starting quarterback Malik Willis.
If the offensive line can provide this level of dominance throughout the regular season, Miami should be better than what the experts think.
That level of play should also be able to compete in every single game with offensive line play like that, as a big running game should help them control the clock.
Controlling the clock will also benefit Hafley’s defense.
Miami has not had a great offensive line since arguably 2016.
10 years later, it seems Miami could find a formula to build another offensive line that could make them competitive in 2026.
Maybe even one that helps them succeed outside expectations.
