Terron Armstead praises Mike McDaniel and Dolphins run scheme for turning linemen into playmakers

Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead appreciates the aggressiveness of the Miami Dolphins rushing attack.

After 120 games over 11 seasons between the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints, Terron Armstead considered retirement before agreeing to a restructured contract to play a 12th NFL season. Even at 33, the five-time Pro Bowl left tackle couldn’t resist a chance to power downfield and clear out smaller safeties and cornerbacks at the second level.

When asked by Travis Wingfield, writer and podcast host for the Dolphins, about his thoughts on Miami’s run game install, Armstead shared his enthusiasm.

“[Coach Mike McDaniel and offensive coordinator Frank Smith] find ways to continue to innovate,” Armstead explained to Wingfield and reporters. “They continue to evolve the run game. They put the defense in binds that’s advantageous for us as far as leverage, and then they allow the o-line to be playmakers. So I’m able to get up to the second level, the corner, or maybe even a safety, things that in most run game schemes you don’t necessarily do.

“You’re usually blocking a d-end or double teaming on a d-tackle or something like that, but be able to get up to linebackers, corners, and all that, I feel like I get a chance to make a play.”

Despite injuries forcing nine different linemen to play at least 35% of the snaps, Miami’s rushing attack led the league with 5.1 yards per attempt last season. McDaniel’s running scheme, led primarily by Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, generated the league’s sixth-most rushing yards (2,308).

The offense thrived in the trenches despite challenges, but with key departures and lingering depth concerns, the unit faces old and new tests heading into 2024.

The Carolina Panthers signed right guard Robert Hunt to a monster $100 million contract in free agency while Connor Williams recently agreed to a deal with the Seattle Seahawks. Miami added Aaron Brewer to take over at center but both starting guard jobs seem up for grabs with two preseason games left to play.