Fansided
Fansided

The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
19 of 32
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 01: Mike Pouncey #51 of the Miami Dolphins in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 1, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 01: Mike Pouncey #51 of the Miami Dolphins in action against the New York Jets during their game at MetLife Stadium on December 1, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins: Releasing Mike Pouncey

Mike Pouncey hasn’t always been healthy but the center remained a quality blocker on the Dolphins offensive line for years. He played the entirety of the 2017 season and was still just 29-years old. Most expected him to continue on as their fixture at center. So when Miami made the momentous decision to release the former Pro Bowler, it came as a genuine shock.

It’s hard to figure out the exact reasoning for the move. The general belief is the Dolphins got tired of his somewhat lazy workout habits mixed with the health concerns and slightly declined play. They felt Daniel Kilgore would be able to handle the job. In hindsight, it’s fair to question that decision. Miami allowed just 33 sacks in 2017. This year they’re already at 36 with three games left to play.

Meanwhile, Pouncey landed in L.A. where Philip Rivers is in the midst of arguably the best season of his career. The center may not be elite anymore, but very good is still worth a lot at that position.

Home/NFL Hot Takes