The Miami Dolphins' identity in 2026 won't be defined by throwing the deep ball. According to Jonah Savaiinaea, it starts in the trenches, with a tougher, more physical brand of football.
Entering his second season with the Miami Dolphins, offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea is ready to bounce back in a big way after a frustrating rookie year.
In a recent interview on the "Drive Time" podcast with host Travis Wingfield, the 2025 second-round pick discussed his offseason and pitched his idea on what the team's unknown identity should be in 2026.
Savaiinaea knows the Dolphins have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball. The next step, in his eyes, is building the identity that will allow that talent to translate into consistent success.
When former head coach Mike McDaniel was leading the team, the Dolphins built much of their success around speed and explosive playmakers, creating one of the league's most dynamic offenses when healthy.
However, Savaiinaea believes establishing a more physical presence will be important as Miami looks to compete against some of the AFC's toughest teams.
The Dolphins have done a solid job revamping their offensive line, from signing center Aaron Brewer in free agency to drafting Patrick Paul, Savaiinaea, and Kadyn Proctor.
Under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley and new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Miami wants to be a run-heavy team, as Savaiinaea alluded to Wingfield.
"I think that should be our identity right there is the run game," Savaiinaea said.
Miami has one of the NFL's most explosive running backs in De'Von Achane, who signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $68 million, including $32 million guaranteed.
Achane has established himself as Miami's lead guy, rushing for a career-best 1,350 yards on 238 carries with eight touchdowns -- his highest total since his rookie season.
"Twenty-eight (Achane), he just makes that guy miss, and he's gone," Savaiinaea said.
The former Arizona graduate struggled mightily as a left guard last season, recording a 28.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked last among all qualified NFL offensive guards.
Savaiinaea's pass-blocking grade was 14.1, which ranked last among his position group, while his run-blocking grade was 37.3, which ranked 79th among 81 qualified guards.
Savaiinaea coughed up 45 pressures, including eight sacks and five hits over 982 offensive snaps.
Despite the multitude of issues in his rookie season, Savaiinaea also talked about getting the first year under his belt and how that has led to the game slowing down.
"It's big, having a year under my belt, and going into this year knowing that I gained more confidence," Savaiinaea said.
For Savaiinaea, who is now switching back to his college position on the offensive line at right guard, it begins with toughness.
As he told Wingfield, having a year of knowledge under his belt is only going to help his game. Limit the penalties, bend your knees, and avoid grabbing onto the jersey for an extended period of time.
Rather than spending his time adjusting to the demands of the league, Savaiinaea can focus on refining his technique, improving his fundamentals, and continuing to build chemistry with his teammates.
Even though the Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase as the 2026 season nears, Hafley has consistently preached physicality, and physicality starts in the trenches.
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