Patrick Paul is playing left tackle so well for the Miami Dolphins that he's now focused on helping his rookie left guard.
MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul is feeling confident and his words back up that confidence.
How much did Paul see Bills edge rusher Joey Bosa in Week 3?
"A lot," Paul said in the Dolphins locker room. "At the beginning yes, but then he didn't want anymore. So he was on the other side."
Paul, 6-foot-7, 326 pounds, is a gentle giant.
But on the field, he will toss you to the ground and talk trash after.
In his second season with Miami, and first as a starter succeeding Terron Armstead, Paul has flourished.
Dolphins' Patrick Paul excelling in second season
According to Pro Football Focus, Paul has been the NFL's 8th-best pass-blocking tackle. They say he's allowed only three hurries and one sack in three games.
"Patrick had as good of an offseason, has developed as much as any player that I’ve really been around," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. "We’ve just scratched the surface."
Armstead was 100 percent correct when he said Paul was ready to be his successor and to play well.
"The confidence came through training camp and it wasn't just in the season," Paul said. "I think it came through training camp and logging the reps day in and day out. Feeling better in my role every single day. So just logging the reps and going against great competition like Bradley Chubb and Jalen Phillips."
McDaniel noted Paul has been able to keep opposing pass rushers away from their launch point. Paul has a massive frame and enormous wingspan, but he said the key is in his footwork.
Patrick Paul wants to help Dolphins' linemate Jonah Savaiinaea
"It's mainly feet," Paul said. "So you know you can end up in bad positions. Everyone from the best of the worst will always end up in a bad position. But I think it's really just, it really has to do with how quick you are to react to it. Your arms might be in a bad position, but your feet will keep you from any penalties. And your feet will be able to make you recover and keep the quarterback clean."
Paul, 23, is very mature and diligent in his preparation and commitment.
There were times as a rookie where he appeared unpolished in his technique and fundamentals. That's something rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea is going through now.
A few times during a conversation, Paul said he feels tasked to help Jonah.
"He's gonna' get it," Paul said. "He's gonna' get it. A rookie, being a rookie's tough, and like you said, I was a rookie last year. You'll get it. It's just gonna' come with reps and time and one day you'll just notice. It's just gonna' click and it's gonna' be beautiful."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Patrick Paul filling void of tackle Terron Armstead
Category: Football
