As a part of the Miami Dolphins’ 2026 roster rebuild, the team moved second-year guard Jonah Savaiinaea from the left to his natural right-side position. The guard has responded to the move, but it may not be the only reason he looks like the player Miami hoped to get when they selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Savaiinaea, the move actually has nothing to do with his growth and improved play.
According to a report from Miami Herald reporter Barry Jackson, Savaiinaea identified several other areas that have led to his improvement, which includes not having allowed a sack so far this season after leading all guards in sacks allowed last year:
Even though Dolphins coaches have said he seems more comfortable playing right guard (his position at Arizona) after playing left guard as a rookie, Savaiinaea said changing sides has had “zero impact” on his growth.
So what has been the difference? He cited a few factors: game experience, increased confidence, helpful tips from offensive line coach Zach Yenser and a determination not to get beat inside, which was perhaps his biggest of several problems last season.
“Most of my beats, when I got beat, were [on] the inside” last season, he said. “My plan this year is to not get beat inside. That’s the minor change I’ve put into my game this year. There are a lot of good rushers out there who know how I’m setting. It’s minor improvements like not getting anywhere with my first step.”
Savaiinaea would go on to talk about new offensive line coach Zach Yenser and the game slowing down for him.
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How Dolphins’ Savaiinaea went from leading NFL guards in sacks allowed to none – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald
Thirty-three NFL guards have permitted sacks this season (according to a prominent metrics site), and in a pleasant development for the Dolphins, Jonah Savaiinaea isn’t among them.
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Dolphins vs. Vikings grades
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Four Winners And Four Losers From Week 4 Dolphins Loss – Jake Gibson, Miami Dolphins on SI
The losses are getting closer and there were some redeeming performances, but the bottom line is that Miami is still winless.
Dolphins Week 4 Report Card: Defense Delivers, But Miami Finds Another Way to Lose – Tyler Carmona, Miami Dolphins on SI
Grading each unit’s performance in the 15-10 loss against the Minnesota Vikings
What the Week 4 Film Told Us About the Miami Dolphins – Tyler DeSena, Miami Dolphins on SI
Struggles with consistency marked the tape of Miami’s 15-10 loss against the Vikings
Former Dolphins
Ravens TE Durham Smythe suffers season-ending torn Achilles – Frank Platko, Baltimore Beatdown
Baltimore Ravens’ tight end Durham Smythe limped off the field Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans and was quickly ruled out with an Achilles injury. The sight of Smythe grabbing at his calf and struggled to walk under his own power sparked concerns about a potential tear.
Dolphins opponent news: Cincinnati Bengals, Week 5
Bengals Film Room: Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight play well vs. Jaguars – Dale Altman, Cincy Jungle
Can we start seeing good performances more consistently from both linebackers?
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Dexter Lawrence continues to be a much-needed leader – Patrick Carey, Cincy Jungle
The star defender stays positive after a second straight loss for the Bengals.
The Bengals’ under-center offense has been a disaster – Dale Altman, Cincy Jungle
Going under-center has actually made the Bengals running game worse.
Bengals Tuesday Trenches: On the edge of a knife. – Jason Garrison, Cincy Jungle
Is this the team that started 2-0, or are they the team that has since gone 0-2?
Joe Burrow suggests throwing more with run game struggles – Patrick Carey, Cincy Jungle
The Bengals run game was inexcusable vs. Jaguars
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Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins injury updates ahead of Bengals vs. Dolphins – Jason Marcum
The latest on the Bengals’ two injured wide receivers.
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Jacob Rodriguez once again nominated for Rookie of the Week award in week four – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
After 18 tackle performance, Dolphins rookie linebacker up for award once more.
Tuesday Miami Dolphins Thoughts With The Earl – Chris Early, The Phinsider
SO close… yet so far.
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Miami Dolphins Week 4 reaction: Yikes!…and no likes to the Vikes! – Paul Fields
OK, my ears must hear different things than the broadcasters who say “Look at what Jeff Hafley is building. Just wait until he gets the players!” They didn’t say “Let’s aspire to be the Green Bay Packers! The ACME of NFL franchises.
Miami Dolphins’ Most Valuable Player | Week Four | Pressure – Marek Brave, The Phinsider
Chop Robinson has eight pressures, one sack against Vikings.
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