The Miami Dolphins offense is built for big plays but this wasn’t part of the plan.
The Miami Dolphins attacked with big plays in their 32-26 win over the New York Jets, but it wasn’t just wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle making headlines. Starting guard Liam Eichenberg stole the show by drawing a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty on the game’s opening drive.
Eichenberg wasted no time, drawing the penalty against New York’s Javon Kinlaw just 36 seconds in. The call, along with Waddle’s 20-yard catch, set up Miami’s opening touchdown drive.
“I really didn’t say anything,” Eichenberg said when asked about his ability to pester opponents. “I think I was just playing through the whistle trying to stay connected and I think that’s kind of when guys get angry —when you kind of just stay on them.
“So just trying to stay on my guy and make sure he doesn’t make the play and if I get hit in the face or something happens, it’s part of the game.”
Eichenberg’s gritty play has drawn attention—and penalties. Kinlaw’s flag marked the third unnecessary roughness call against teams facing Miami this month. Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III drew the penalty on Nov. 11 before Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby was called for it the following week.
Looks like Liam Eichenberg drew the unnecessary roughness penalty on Maxx Crosby. He held on to him a little after the pass was out, and Crosby, usually the irritant, smacked Eichenberg across the helmet.
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) November 17, 2024
Eichenberg’s knack for drawing penalties has only added to his impact this season, but his path has featured its share of twists. He’s played a different position every year since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft— starting with 943 snaps at left tackle as a rookie before shifting to left guard and then center last year.
Now in his fourth season, he’s settled in as Miami’s starting right guard, where he’s allowed just two sacks and three quarterback hits, per PFF. He’s also played every game this season and been penalized only seven times.
“It’s been a long path to get here, but there is a lot I need to improve on still,” Eichenberg said. “And I know that, and it’s kind of something I’m working on every single week and every single day.
“It’s nice, but at the end of the day, what are the team needs? And I think I’ve taken that mindset since the day I got here. Just trying to get better.”
