Daniels and Savaiinaea Must Step Up

Daniels and Savaiinaea Must Step Up

Yes, the Dolphins have Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside, along with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

They have Tua Tagovailoa, who can sling the ball all over the field to them and the rest of the playmakers on the offense.

But, when is Miami truly at its best?

That is when they can run the ball both inside and outside.

Mike McDaniel showed in 2023 that his passing game is at its best when a strong running game complements it.

The Dolphins had this because of their offensive line, and more so, because of their guard play with Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn.

Hunt and Wynn could use both their power and quickness to both overwhelm their opponents and get out on the edge, which sprung both De’von Achane and Raheem Mostert.

After a lackluster 2024 running game, Miami is trying to recreate its past success by adding James Daniels and Jonah Savaiinaea.

First, both Daniels and Savaiinaea are larger than last season’s option, as both players are over 320 pounds.

Last season’s starters, Liam Eichenberg and Robert Jones, were both listed around 305 pounds, and unlike Daniels and Savaiinaea, the former options were not as quick, and thus, the outside running game suffered.

Daniels, entering his eighth season out of Iowa, has been mostly healthy and reliable for his career, as he has started at least 15 games in five out of seven seasons.

Having started 90 games, I would expect him to be put on the left side of the line next to Patrick Paul as a way to help the second-year player out as Paul continues to learn.

I understand that Daniels missed most of last year with an Achilles injury, but if he is healthy, he will be a sorely needed addition to the team’s offensive line and should help regain form on the ground.

With Savaiinaea, he will have the opportunity to learn next to veterans, Aaron Brewer and Austin Jackson, who happen to be two of the better players on the team.

If he can adjust quickly to the NFL game, Miami should run all over opponents this year.