There’s no better sign that the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin era in Miami is over than this: The Dolphins’ offensive linemen view themselves as a close bunch.
The only offensive lineman back from last year’s core group is Mike Pouncey, as Incognito and Martin are both gone and so are John Jerry, Bryant McKinnie and Tyson Clabo. Brought in were free agents Shelley Smith and Branden Albert and rookie draft picks Ja’Wuan James and Billy Turner. Guard Dallas Thomas, who didn’t start at all as a rookie last year, is expected to start this year.
So what do all the changes mean? Smith says it means they’ve got a group of guys who haven’t known each other long but are already getting along well.
“We’ve got some characters in the room and the guys are great. They’re hard working and funny. We spend a lot of time together. It makes it easier when you have a good group of guys like that. We all get along great,” Smith told the Sun-Sentinel.
The Dolphins’ offensive line has gone through a lot of change, but a lot of change was needed.
“Consistency is always good, but as you know with this business that’s not always the case. So you have to adapt to whatever situation comes up,” Smith said.
The good news for the Dolphins is that whatever situation comes up, it will not be as bad as the disaster that engulfed their offensive line last year.