Fins Need Clabo To Step Up Against Old Team
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins are riding high after a 2-0 start ahead of the team's home opener on Sunday. But there's at least one area where the Dolphins need to make some major improvement: protecting quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Through the first two games of the season, the Dolphins' offensive line has surrendered nine sacks of Tannehill. The only team giving up more sacks than the Dolphins is the Cleveland Browns who have given up nine sacks of quarterback Brandon Weeden.
"Giving up a sack is like death," Fins offensive tackle Tyson Clabo told CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald. "The worst feeling in the world is giving up a sack."
Unfortunately for Clabo, he's had that feeling several times this season. Clabo has given up one-third of the Dolphins sacks this season after joining the team as a free agent. CLabo said it's kind of like "torture" being excited about winning but knowing you gave up the sacks.
"You kind of feel like your team won in spite of you," Clabo told the Herald. "You don't ever want to be that guy or that player."
This Sunday, Clabo may have some extra motivation as he is going against his old team, the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons cut Clabo in the offseason, not because his play declined, but to save money against the salary cap.
The Falcons replaced him with Lamar Holmes, who according to Pro Football Focus is giving up a quarterback hurry once every 15 snaps and is the fourth-worst right tackle in the league.
Clabo and fellow tackle Jonathan Martin will also get a big benefit with both defensive end Kroy Biermann and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon out for the game. That should ease the pass rush against the offensive line a bit on Sunday.
Atlanta and Miami will kickoff at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.
