Can Dolphins embattled offensive line hold the line

They presently have the second worst sacks per passing play average (one every 8.25 attempts), and are flirting with a franchise record for sacks allowed in a season.

The Dolphins (4 4) have survived two fourth quarter meltdowns caused by the offensive line, which allowed sacks that cost the team victories against the Ravens and Bills.

Yet, all of those issues pales in comparison to the black eye members of this unit have given the Dolphins franchise considering two of their starters (Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito) are involved in a national soap opera that prompted an NFL investigation on bullying, and the culture inside the team's locker room.

Martin left the team two weeks ago, and Incognito is suspended from the team. What remains of the Dolphins' offensive line must pick up the pieces and hold the fort against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0 Monday night.

"We're a band of brothers. We're here for one thing and that's to play football and win football games," said center Mike Pouncey, who refused to address the bullying saga. "That has been our main focus since all this has gone down, and that's going to be our focus to [url=http://www.nflshopauthenticonline.com/nike-dennis-pitta-jersey-c-1_53_73.ht... Dennis Pitta Jersey finish this year out."

The Dolphins are indeed getting prepared to finish the season without its two starters. Martin, who is presently in California getting treatment, has no timetable set for his return. Incognito's indefinite suspension will conclude when the NFL closes its independent investigation.

Tyson Clabo will resume his role as the team's starting right tackle, replacing Martin, who was moved back to the position he played as
Garner has served as a fill in starter on the two most successful offensive lines the Dolphins have had this decade (2009 and 2012). But [url=http://www.nflshopauthenticonline.com/nike-marshal-yanda-jersey-c-1_53_75.h... Incognito was the Dolphins' best offensive lineman, a Pro Bowler in 2012.

"Those two guys are not here so they can't help us win. We have to focus on the people who are here right now," [url=http://www.nflshopauthenticonline.com/nike-dennis-pitta-jersey-c-1_53_73.ht... Dennis Pitta Jersey[/url" target="_blank"> said McKinnie, who will be starting his third game at left tackle for the Dolphins, which traded a conditional late round pick to acquire the former University of Miami standout.

McKinnie's veteran presence at left tackle has helped to stabilize the Dolphins' offensive line. He's started against the Patriots and Bengals and the Dolphins put together the team's best rushing performances in those games, running for 313 of the team's 781 rushing yards in the last two games.

Unlike Martin, who was moved from left tackle, McKinnie doesn't need help protecting quarterback Ryan Tannehill's blindside, and that has alleviated one weak spot. But McKinnie does need code words to help him know the play, and Garner now inherits Incognito's role as translator.

Clabo has struggled mightily this season, allowing eight sacks and 19 pressures in the seven games he's played in. But the Dolphins have [url=http://www.nflshopauthenticonline.com/nike-darian-stewart-jersey-c-1_53_223... Darian Stewart Jersey provided him help the last few weeks, putting a tight end, or fellow offensive tackle Will Yeatman on his side. That approach helped Miami protect Tannehill late in its overtime win against the Bengals.

The question most are wondering is how long can this patched up unit hold up?

"Everyone is focused on doing their job. And everyone's job is to block the man across from them and do as good of a job as they can," said Yeatman, a converted tight end. "We're supposed to have trust in the guy next to us, and that's what everyone has."