Earl Mitchell’s return a welcome sight for the Miami Dolphins
Sitting at .500 midway through their 2016 campaign, the Miami Dolphins are about to have the services of a key player back with them. Returning from the team’s injured reserve list, defensive tackle Earl Mitchell will provide the team with some needed depth and stability as it enters the stretch run of the campaign.
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While I don’t expect to see Mitchell make a straight return to the team’s starting lineup, his presence will be felt early on with the team’s west coast swing over the next two weeks. Despite his interception last week, Jordan Phillips ha11s been pretty inconsistent throughout this season. With Mitchell now behind him and available to give him breathers, will his play improve?
The same question will not be asked of star lineman Ndamukong Suh. Getting paid the big money, Suh’s status as a starter is basically solidified. However, with Earl Mitchell returning, I do believe that we may see some downs where Suh is removed to get a breather. That simple move could allow for Suh to maintain his presence late in games.
Across the rest of the defensive line, the move will also be welcomed. Despite the skill of the players along it, the D-line has been hit by small injuries and issues throughout the campaign. Having another option for this group of players can only help the team out in the long run of this season.
Playing and starting in 12-games last season for the Miami Dolphins, Earl Mitchell was not a major factor stat wise, but like he has been for most of his career, Mitchell was a disrupter. Getting into the backfield and forcing the ball carrier into another tackler, the value of Mitchell to this team is extremely high. Having him back even as a depth player will provide the team with a major boost on the defensive side of the ball.
With the veteran defensive lineman back in the fray, the Miami Dolphins defensive line should improve to an even higher level. With Mitchell back in the lineup, I will be looking for the Dolphins defensive line to be an extremely disruptive force when they head west to take on the San Diego Chargers this Sunday.
READ MORE: Reinforcements on the way for Miami
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