Kelly: Can Dolphins Trust Liam Eichenberg at Guard Again?
It’s time for another ride on the Eichenberg Express.
Only time will tell where this stint leaning on Liam Eichenberg, the Miami Dolphins’ underwhelming 2021 second-round pick, as a starting offensive guard will take us.
But based on Eichenberg’s struggles this season – whether it’s at center or guard – it’s pretty safe to expect a bumpy ride.
“This is the final one, man,” Eichenberg said, referring to the fact he’ll start Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders at right guard.
That means Eichenberg will have started an NFL game at all five spots on the Dolphins offensive line during his underwhelming three seasons.
Problem is, he’s struggled at all of them.
At this point it’s safe to put Eichenberg in the reserve/backup/journeyman category if he struggles filling in for Robert Hunt, who will miss his second game this season because of a right hamstring injury.
“This is the last option. This is the last one,” Eichenberg said about the right guard tryout, which could be a game or two because Miami wants Hunt to be full healthy for the closing season stretch.
Running out of guard options
The Dolphins don’t have many options when it comes to replacement for Hunt because Robert Jones is also nursing a knee injury he suffered in Miami’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Lester Cotton is filling in as the left guard, starting his third game of the season next to Terron Armstead, and Eichenberg will man the right guard spot because he feels “strong,” there, even though he started 10 games at left guard last season.
Eichenberg said the four games he started at center as Connor Williams’ replacement this season helped him develop better footwork and technique, and he believes the transition is easiest at right guard because of his center work.
“It allows me to understand space. Give me more confidence in closer spaces. Similar footwork, and similar hands. Timing is a little bit off,” said Eichenberg, who allowed two sacks this season, and both came against the Bills, which was his first start at center. “For me, having those reps at center, and going to right guard will help me.
