Armstead revitalized by fresh start, bullish on Dolphins’ line. And 10 Dolphins injured
For the first time in 10 years as a pro, Terron Armstead is not driving down a Louisiana highway to get to work.
And even though he was perfectly happy as a New Orleans Saint, the move to Miami — where he’s being asked to help fix one of the worst offensive lines in modern NFL history - has felt reinvigorating.
“It’s rejuvenating, revitalizing,” Armstead said this past week, months after signing a five-year, $75 million contract to play left tackle for the Dolphins.
“It’s a fresh start. Even in my departure from New Orleans, it wasn’t a divorce. It was time. I felt something was being built down here that I wanted to be a part of. Being here is exciting.”
Just don’t call him a savior for the Dolphins’ line.
Ask him if he feels the burden of rescuing this line, which allowed a league-high 247 quarterback pressures last season, and being perceived as a savior, he said: “No one person can be a savior for anything. We’re trying to help put our best foot forward.”
One goal for the three-time Pro Bowler: To play a full season for the first time in his career. Armstead has had some bad luck with injuries; he missed nine games last season after missing nine, six, six, one and two the previous five seasons.
Generally, though, “I don’t set any personal goals. All my stuff is team driven.”
He’s bullish on the cast around him, including these three players who switched positions:
▪ On right tackle Austin Jackson: “His athleticism definitely flies off the chart. The improvements he’s made since we started this program have been special.”
▪ On left guard Liam Eichenberg: “He’s a worker, really smart player. We’re just trying to get more chemistry together. I wasn’t out there as much as would have liked. Past couple weeks have been great. The communication is better.”
▪ On center Connor Williams, who was a left guard for Dallas the past four years:
“I think Connor is going to have a special year. I don’t want to put any postseason accolades on him, but I think he’s going to be recognized. I have that much confidence in him. He’s embraced the new role. I can see Connor being a very highly regarded player at that position.”
What translates well to Williams playing center? “Athleticism, snap quickness, and he’s very strong.”
And Armstead said right guard Robert Hunt “is an exceptional player, works his butt off, wants to be great, is great. His talents will start to be on display more and more. He’s a guy we’re leaning on heavily.”
THIS AND THAT
▪ No Dolphins player on the 53-man roster missed practice Wednesday, but 11 players were limited, including receiver Jaylen Waddle and cornerback Nik Needham, who both have quadriceps injuries.
Coach Mike McDaniel reiterated that he expects Waddle to play Sunday against New England (1 p.m., CBS).
Also limited due to injuries: linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel; running backs Chase Edmonds (groin), Myles Gaskin (neck) and Salvon Ahmed (heel); fullback Alec Ingold (hamstring); safety Eric Rowe (pectoral) and tight end Tanner Conner (knee).
Armstead and edge player Melvin Ingram were limited not because of injuries, but because they were given a veteran’s rest day.
Van Ginkel, asked if he feels fully back to himself more than two weeks after having his appendix removed, said: “It’s a process to it. Slowly working my way back. I’m good, taking it day-by-day. Hopefully will get better as the week goes along.”
Besides the 11 players who were limited, cornerback Byron Jones (leg) remains out for at least four weeks.
▪ Adam Butler played 52 percent of the Dolphins’ defensive snaps last season, and those snaps will need to replaced in the wake of Butler’s release early in training camp.
McDaniel has mentioned that linebacker Trey Flowers can play inside on the defensive line, and Flowers said he has grown comfortable with that, even though at 265 pounds, he’s at a big weight disadvantage against centers and guard.
“You need some sort of finesse; you’re got to use speed,” Flowers said.
The Dolphins also could increase Zach Sieler’s workload with the departure of Butler.
▪ Though the Dolphins have beaten the Patriots three times, playing against a Bill Belichick-team never allows an opponent to have a sense of security.
“Any time you play the Patriots, you have to lock in a little harder,” linebacker Jerome Baker said. “Otherwise, they’re going to expose you.”
Xavien Howard called Belichick “the greatest coach in football.”
▪ Edmonds, asked about the Dolphins now having the personnel to potentially win high-scoring games: “With our defense, we won’t get into high-scoring games. But if that does happen, we’re definitely prepared for it.
“The scheme is beautiful. The talent we have in the locker room is great as well. It can definitely be high scoring games on our side for sure.”
▪ McDaniel indicated he’s willing to use his best players on punt and kickoff returns - potentially including Tyreek Hill, Waddle, Raheem Mostert and Holland — and said he doesn’t worry about injuries happening on special teams.
This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 4:13 PM.
