Dolphins Veteran Tackle Issues Warning to NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Valentine | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins' offense has been one of the better units in the NFL over the last few seasons, but in 2024, they struggled. Franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another injury that caused him to miss time, and the Dolphins fell to an 8-9 record in 2024, missing the postseason for the first time since 2021.

Even when the Dolphins offense has been riding high, it’s very much been the passing attack that’s carried the team. Since 2022, the Dolphins have been 9th in passing EPA and 21st in rushing EPA per RBSDM, a fair distinction between the efficiency of both units. However, the additions of Jonah Savaiinaea and James Daniels in the draft and free agency are likely to give the team a more rugged feel on the offensive line, which will translate to the rushing attack, and Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson has issued a warning to the rest of the NFL.

Per Scott Salomon of the Miami Dolphins on SI, Jackson spoke to reporters earlier in the week and gave his thoughts on the state of the Dolphins' offensive line heading into the 2025 NFL season.

"We're young in the interior, and we're really athletic as well," Jackson said Wednesday. "So I think you can expect a lot of speed and strength. I think we have the stamina to be fast the whole game, the entire game."

The offensive line had one of the lowest pressure rates in the NFL, which was down to the functionality of the offense, as well as Tagovailoa getting the ball out quickly, but it wasn’t a unit known for getting downhill and manhandling defenses. Other changes, such as Terron Armstead retiring and being replaced by 2024 second-round pick Patrick Paul, will also change the state of the line.

"You're gonna see all types of blocking. I'm really excited for our run game this year, as well as our pass game. But mostly our run game just because it's what we hang our head on in the system," Jackson said. "We're very proud of it. We're very proud of the techniques we use to block. We're looking forward for everybody and every concept we have."

Jackson and the Dolphins are optimistic. They’ve got a talented running back in De’Von Achane who has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his first two seasons in the NFL, and if they’re fully able to unlock him with the strength of the offensive line, we could see a completely different Dolphins offense in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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