“Dolphins Finally Get Their Anchor Back: Will Robert Hunt Fix Miami’s Line Woes?”
The Miami Dolphins have been dealing with a revolving door on their offensive line this season, but they’ve finally managed to bring back one of their most reliable contributors—Robert Hunt. With Hunt now returning to the field, the Dolphins hope to stabilize a unit that has been a point of concern for both fans and the media alike.
For much of the season, the Dolphins have been playing musical chairs with their offensive guards, trying to find a combination that can provide consistent protection for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and create opportunities in the run game. The absence of Robert Hunt, one of their most dependable players, only made things worse. Hunt, who has built a reputation for durability and consistent play throughout his career in Miami, has been sorely missed during his time off the field.
The Dolphins’ offensive line woes became even more apparent in recent weeks. Robert Jones, who had been filling in for Hunt, was holding his own, but suffered an injury during Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. This forced the team to turn to Lester Cotton, yet another player trying to step up in the ever-changing lineup. Cotton, while serviceable, hasn’t been able to match the reliability and experience that Hunt brings to the table.
At the other guard position, the Dolphins have been dealing with the inconsistency of Liam Eichenberg. Eichenberg showed flashes of improvement in Miami’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars but struggled mightily against the Bills. His erratic performance has been emblematic of the larger issues facing the Dolphins’ offensive line—moments of potential undermined by an overall lack of stability and cohesiveness.
The return of Robert Hunt couldn’t come at a more critical time. Hunt has been a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offensive line since being drafted in 2020. His consistency and availability over the years have made him one of the most trusted linemen on the roster. Up until last season, Hunt remained relatively healthy, and his absence has been a major factor in Miami’s inability to field a steady offensive line. With Hunt back in the mix, the Dolphins are hoping that his presence will bring some much-needed continuity to a unit that has struggled to get the same five players on the field week to week, let alone series to series.
Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his relief over Hunt’s return, noting how valuable the guard has been to the team’s success. “Robert has always been someone we can count on,” McDaniel said. “His consistency and ability to stay healthy have been key for us, and we’ve definitely felt his absence. Getting him back is huge for our offense.”
However, while Hunt’s return is a positive development, it doesn’t erase the larger issues plaguing the Dolphins’ offensive line. General manager Chris Grier has come under fire for his perceived lack of attention to these problems, with many questioning whether he has done enough to address the ongoing struggles in the trenches. Despite the Dolphins’ high-powered offense, led by Tagovailoa and superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, the offensive line remains a weak link that could derail Miami’s playoff aspirations if not properly addressed.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Dolphins’ offensive line situation is the lack of consistency. Injuries and inconsistent performances have prevented the unit from developing the chemistry necessary for success. In the NFL, offensive line play is heavily dependent on continuity—having the same group of five players work together over time to develop trust, communication, and understanding. The Dolphins have not had the luxury of that this season.
Miami’s run game has been a microcosm of the offensive line’s struggles. Against the Bills, the Dolphins were able to establish a solid ground attack, but their performance in the running game was abysmal against the Jaguars. This inconsistency has made it difficult for the Dolphins to establish a balanced offense, putting even more pressure on Tagovailoa and the passing game to carry the team.
Despite these challenges, the return of Robert Hunt provides a glimmer of hope for the Dolphins moving forward. His presence on the offensive line should help stabilize the guard position, but the Dolphins will need more than just Hunt’s return to fix their line issues. Players like Eichenberg and Cotton will need to step up and provide more consistent play if Miami is to succeed down the stretch.
As the season progresses, it will be crucial for the Dolphins to find some semblance of stability on the offensive line. Whether Grier makes additional moves to address the problem or relies on the current roster to improve remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Dolphins’ offensive line needs to improve if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
With Robert Hunt back in the lineup, the Dolphins will at least have a foundation to build on. Whether they can capitalize on his return and develop a more cohesive unit remains one of the biggest storylines to watch as Miami continues its push toward the postseason.