MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Liam Eichenberg’s first start at center did not go well for the Miami Dolphins. Eichenberg was the weak link on an offensive line that gave up a season-high four sacks and allowed nine hits on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Eichenberg, who has tried his hand at tackle, guard, and center during his three seasons, has become this year’s Dolphins fan base whipping boy.
He has gotten the meme treatment after a particularly poor attempt to stop a bull rush turned his stance into a split. (Tackle Terron Armstead was injured on that play, and Eichenberg’s technique was a contributing factor.)
Liam Eichenberg’s inability to hold his block contributed to Terron Armstead getting rolled up.
It’s just not good enough. He isn’t an NFL starter. pic.twitter.com/D31swJ9saA
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) October 2, 2023
Given all this, no one would have blamed Mike McDaniel if he made a change at backup center this week, particularly with starter Connor Williams still dealing with a groin injury and Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence looming.
But that’s not the plan, McDaniel told reporters here Wednesday.
Should Miami Dolphins Bench Liam Eichenberg?
“Liam, like I said, there was some really good things that happened in the game,” McDaniel said. “There are some things that Liam would like to have back. …
“I feel pumped for Liam’s game as his first game as a center,” he added. “If I thought that was the ceiling to, with that he could perform at, my feelings may be different. But I’m not sure if you guys have ever done something for the first time ever. But it’s definitely not your finished Picasso piece.
“I’m happy with where he’s orchestrating the offense through the center position, making the calls. And he’ll be there, if needed.”
The Dolphins surely prefer that Eichenberg is not needed. He’s given up two of the Dolphins’ five sacks and committed two penalties in just 96 snaps.
For the Dolphins, this is a situation of their own making. They haven’t been impressed enough by their other center — options Lester Cotton (active roster), Alama Uluave (practice squad), and Chasen Hines (practice squad) — to demote Eichenberg.
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And they traded their best Plan B, Dan Feeney, to the Bears before the cutdown deadline. McDaniel and GM Chris Grier did that with the belief that Eichenberg would be a suitable replacement for Williams if needed.
Week 4 poked some holes in that plan. And those flaws will probably be on display Sunday against the Giants unless Williams’ health improves enough to play.
“You want to talk about a guy that is crawling out of his skin to play,” McDaniel said. “About the right stuff, you know, things that he can’t control, that injury, he takes up the mindset, he needs to get back as fast as possible to help his teammates.”