There is optimism at coaching camp that the Miami Dolphins’ offensive line will enhance from final season solely on the additions of Terron Armstead and Connor Williams. However, for true progress to occur, younger blockers Austin Jackson and Liam Eichenberg need to step up, as nicely.
With the road studying a brand new offense primarily based largely on wide-zone blocking within the run recreation below coach Mike McDaniel, Jackson and Eichenberg additionally should choose up new positions.
Jackson, a left deal with as a rookie in 2020 who was moved inside to left guard final season, has practiced at proper deal with via organized group actions and minicamp and into the primary week of coaching camp. Eichenberg, who labored at numerous positions throughout his rookie coaching camp in 2021 earlier than largely taking part in left deal with, is now inside at left guard.
“I’ve always had a pride in playing tackle,” mentioned Jackson, transferring again to his pure place, albeit on the alternative facet which protects left-handed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s blind facet. “I got drafted as a tackle. I’ve always had my own selfish pride about playing tackle. That’s my own personal thing, but overall, glad to play wherever.”
Eichenberg mentioned he didn’t obtain a proof from the brand new offensive workers on the transfer, however he has seen regular enchancment to the purpose of receiving the orange jersey at Friday’s apply. The jersey is given to the participant who had one of the best apply the day earlier than.
“I got a phone call, and they were like, ‘Hey, we’re going to have you try this out and maybe some other stuff,’” Eichenberg mentioned. “It has caught thus far, so I’m sort of simply specializing in that, attempting to enhance each single day. Work on my footwork, my arms, clear up my move [protection].
“I just got to keep on improving every single day. New stuff pops up today that didn’t happen yesterday, so kind of got to go back to the basics, the fundamentals and clean it up.”
Jackson believes the wide-zone scheme, which works to get defenses transferring laterally to then assault upfield within the floor recreation, fits his recreation.
“They definitely wanted to utilize my athleticism in this offense,” Jackson mentioned on suggestions he has obtained from coaches. “I’ve made great strides and got great coaches working behind me getting me better.”
Said Eichenberg: “This offense is, for me personally, a good fit. It’s kind of similar to what we did at Notre Dame running off the ball. It’s been going well.”
Both made adjustments with their physique in a key offseason for the 2. Jackson received his physique fats down 8 %, reducing his weight to a “really lean” 310 kilos after being within the higher 320s on the similar time final yr.
“I had a really great offseason,” Jackson mentioned. “I won’t say good. I’ll say great.”
Eichenberg mentioned he gained six or seven kilos for the transfer inside to protect by lifting heavier whereas reducing physique fats by working. He added that it benefited him to not have to coach for mix checks of the bench press and 40-yard sprint like he did final offseason, specializing in soccer exercises and total energy.
Eichenberg reached out to Jackson after he made the identical transfer from left deal with to left guard in-season final yr, however he has largely realized from Williams, who’s taking part in middle for the Dolphins after 4 years at guard with the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’ve been trying to listen to Connor because he played left guard in Dallas for so long,” Eichenberg mentioned. “Whenever I have an issue, I just go to Connor.”
The greatest voice for the offensive line group, after all, has been Armstead, whom Jackson mentioned has helped the younger blockers essentially the most with approach suggestions.
“He is a technician,” Jackson mentioned. “Definitely hearing a lot of his teaching points on just having good body leverage and just having tools to utilize your athleticism with technique. It’s definitely been very helpful with him. Definitely a big vet for us, so a lot of knowledge there.”
Armstead sees potential within the two, even when they’d their struggles final season.
“Just the will, the intent,” Armstead mentioned. “I’ve been impressed with their level of work, the time they’re putting in before and after in the meeting room. Everything. It’s just a really impressive group.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com