The Miami Dolphins made headlines earlier this year when they chose not to re-sign center Connor Williams, opting instead for Aaron Brewer, who had entered free agency after his stint with the Tennessee Titans. At first glance, Brewer might seem like a risky choice, thanks to some noticeable snap issues.

But if we dig deeper, his performance paints a much rosier picture. In fact, Brewer is turning heads with his standout play, and sans the occasional hiccup in snaps, fans might find themselves warming up to him.

Let’s break it down with some solid insights. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Brewer is enjoying an impressive season with the Dolphins.

Heading into Week 9, Brewer’s PFF offensive grade places him fifth among qualifying centers across the league. This is a remarkable achievement, especially when you consider that Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs—another top prospect Miami could’ve chosen over Liam Eichenberg—currently holds the best offensive grade for centers in the NFL.

This marks Brewer’s most notable statistical season yet. Since joining the league in 2020, Brewer’s annual PFF offensive grades have shown a clear trend of improvement: 76.2, 57.9, 59.9, and climbing up to an impressive 71.6 in 2023. Much of his progress can be attributed to the coaching prowess of Miami’s offensive line coach, Butch Barry, who has played a key role in refining Brewer’s on-field contributions.

The Dolphins’ offensive line has often been a hot topic for debate, mainly due to inconsistency. But the real culprits lie at right and left guard positions.

While Miami is secure on the flanks with Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson, the interior is struggling. This shaky interior play often unfairly lumps Brewer in with the broader problems.

Examining further, the focus shifts to Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg, where the deficiencies become more apparent. Jones boasts an overall PFF grade of 64.9, standing at 37th among offensive guards this season, while Eichenberg trails further behind with a grade of 57.9, ranking 56th.

General Manager Chris Grier’s approach to valuing guards has sometimes seemed perplexing. Though the draft pick of Robert Hunt was a home run, letting him leave in free agency was a move that drew criticism.

The decision to trade up for Eichenberg now hangs as a dubious choice.

If Miami is serious about making waves this season and beyond, fortifying the interior line is non-negotiable. Anchoring around Brewer is a promising start, and giving Tua Tagovailoa the time he needs in the pocket is crucial for transforming the Dolphins’ passing game into the powerhouse it has the potential to be. This nuanced approach not only highlights the current challenges but also offers a roadmap to unleash the full potential of Miami’s offensive unit.