Jonah IS Better… Not Perfect, But Much Improved
The word development can feel like a term baked in with young players. It can also feel like grasping at straws to justify poor play. Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson proved that development isn’t a lock.
Jonah Savaiinaea is coming off a horrific season and has been quickly lumped in with them. Any talk about Jonah turning it around understandably came across as desperation from Dolphins fans just trying to find false hope in what looks like a terrible season.
If you watch Jonah’s film closely, it’s clear Jonah is much improved.
Not perfect.
But his play is far better than it was last season in many ways, and his production trend has moved from a flat line to pointing up. I found myself glued to his film… and if you know me, I don’t say that lightly.
Let’s go over some film and why it’s clear that the Dolphins are heading from having to find a new right guard to possibly having a strength at the position.
Where Has Jonah Improved?
In a previous article, I talked about how his stance has improved and that platform is setting his play up for success. I also talked about his habit of taking a poor first step that created problems, especially on pulls. The good news is that his first-step growth is catching up with his stance.
Some might say it’s just about the side change. I disagree.
Either way, if you compare his movement out of his stance compared to last season, it’s night and day… and the rest is following.
In this clip, watch him come out of his stance and meet the defender. For a 330-pound man, that’s impressive, and much faster than last season. Also notice his hand placement inside, low stance, and how he lifts the defender. There are some little bits I’d correct, but it’s near textbook start to finish.
And this wasn’t a one-off.
It was mostly how he played all day.
On this one, his foot repeats the re-step issue of last season, but also notice how light the step is and how he course-corrects instantly. Pay attention to the slight bend to coil and fire on the block, and the hand placement, which all creates the displacement. It was Jonah’s block that set Achane free for the big gain.
Jonah had a Bad Play… But Just One
Now it’s not all sunshine, unicorns and rainbows. Jonah was beaten badly on this one play. But it was his only terrible play of the day. It stemmed from a lack of patience and chasing the defender’s shoulders that threw him off balance.
I’d add that Brewer was too busy fighting for his life to offer help. I’m not killing Brewer, but it’s moments like this that his lack of power gets him too attached and too invested in a block.
This is 90% Jonah’s fault, but a more in-control center might have been there to afford Jonah the much-needed help.
Let’s remember that Jonah is strapped with Jackson, and he even helped him out along the way. Jonah’s awareness is growing. His head swivel and recheck to make the right block on the snap is a very good sign that it’s coming together for him.
Whether it’s riding on the outside zone, driving in a double, or one on one, Jonah imposed his will and size all day.
Here is a clip of some of his best blocks… and again helping Jackson out along the way. My favorite play of his was the last play. He remained attached to the block forever and mirrored the defender and provided the block that allowed Wright to pick up a bunch of extra yards.
If only Jackson could have made his block.
Jonah and Proctor COULD Provide a Strong Future for Miami
Jonah and Proctor COULD Provide a Strong Future for Miami
I’m not saying Jonah will be this or that. Only time will tell. But I am saying he is much improved and even at this level he is the Dolphins’ starting right guard for the foreseeable future.
And if he can keep progressing, Proctor and Jonah may just be a formidable combo to drive this offense and bring the kind of potency this offensive line has lacked for a long, long time.
Go Phins!!!
