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With training camp only days away, the Miami Dolphins' coaching staff, management and NFL analysts all agree that quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, is poised for a breakout season in 2016.“Tannehill posted back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, but the numbers did not have an impact in the standings,” wrote Tom Pelissero of USA Today. “Tannehill must improve on third down and in the red zone to take the next step.”
That next step involves the fortification of the Dolphins' offensive line after last year's less than stellar performance, allowing an unimpressive 45 sacks of the Fins QB.
“The Dolphin's have a lot invested in their offensive line. Miami has four first-round picks among its five starters,” said Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. “The group allowed 45 quarterback sacks last season, and that number must decrease.”
There are great expectations of controversial rookie draft acquisition, Laremy Tunsil and as the only rookie offensive linemen on the roster, those expectations are heavy on the youngster's shoulders.
ESPN.com reported after rookie mini-camp, “If Tunsil can steer clear from trouble moving forward, he has Pro Bowl potential. Remember, before the Rams traded up to No. 1, he was considered a strong possibility to be drafted first overall. One smoke-filled video does not change the talent here.”
Regarding the veterans shoring up the line, Pro Bowl offensive tackle, Branden Albert, brought the men of the line together for off season strength and conditioning training with professional athlete trainer, Manning Sumner of Miami's Legacy Fit. Instrumental in Albert's return to the gridiron after a season ending injury in 2014, Sumner has gained the reputation as one of the country's top trainers.
“Injured athletes at the level of Branden Albert are driven to do what they do,” a humble Sumner stated. “They are amazing men with the internal fortitude to get back to what they love. All I do is guide them in the right direction to get there.”
Alongside Albert, fellow Dolphin O-linemen Dallas Thomas, Ju'wan James and Jamil Douglas took part in the conditioning and strength training with Sumner during the off season. Sharing the trainer and Legacy Fit facility with competitors such as Washington Redskin, Ricky Jean Francois, Oakland's center, Rodney Hudson and Green Bay Packer, Julius Peppers, the Dolphin O-line feels confident of a turnaround season in 2016.
“Lack of depth hurt this unit the past several seasons,” Albert stated on the Dolphins' team page. “New head coach, Adam Gase, and general manager, Chris Grier, did plenty in an effort to make sure that won’t be the case in 2016.”
As the off season strength and conditioning trainer to the Dolphins' line, Sumner feels strongly that Albert and the Dolphins are on the right track.
“These guys are strong and ready for the beginning of training camp,” Sumner, a former Auburn University linebacker, stated. “With the depth of the line going into the 2016 season and the excitement surrounding the addition of Laremy Tunsil, Dolphins' fans should see far fewer sacks and certainly less hits on Tannehill.”
Analysts throughout the NFL are less optimistic of the Miami Dolphin upcoming season, although the long term outlook with first time head coach Adam Gase at the helm is hopeful.
“A new era is underway in South Florida as rookie head coach Adam Gase takes over the Miami Dolphins,” said ESPN writer, James Walker. “The team will have a new look and a new attitude. But will it result in more wins?”
The Dolphins' training camp begins July 29th in preparation for a preseason opener against a tough challenge, the 2014 NFC Champion and post season regular Seattle Seahawks.
For the full Miami Dolphins 2016 NFL season schedule visit www.miamidolphins.com
To learn more about Legacy Fit and Manning Sumner's Pro Athlete training program, visit miamifl.legacyfit.com/pro-athlete-training
To sign up for a FREE first bootcamp class at Legacy Fit Miami, go to miamifl.legacyfit.com/sign-up-now or call 305.799.0850.
Franchising of Legacy Fit is available. To learn more, go to www.legacyfit.com/franchise
**JD Arbuckle is a freelance journalist specializing in consumer education on a variety of topics including the NFL, bootcamp gyms in Miami, physical fitness and health and wellness.
Contact Info:
Name: JD Arbuckle
Email: Send Email
Organization: Legacy Fit
Website: http://miamifl.legacyfit.com/
Release ID: 125234
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