The list: Best offensive lines in Miami Dolphins history topped by Hall of Fame legends

It seems the Dolphins have been trying to fortify their offensive line for ages. But there have been spells over the years when the front five has been outstanding. Here are the best of them.

1. 1972-75: It doesn’t get any better than this

Left to right: Doug Crusan/Wayne Moore, Bob Kuechenberg, Jim Langer, Larry Little, Norm Evans

Nothing beats having a line so dominant that it could tell the defense what it intends to do, then do it anyway. There were times everyone in the Orange Bowl knew Larry Csonka was going to plow up the middle and it did not matter. That’s a credit to three Hall of Fame-caliber blockers on the interior line. Langer and Little are in Canton; Kuechenberg ought to be. Those Dolphins didn’t have to pass much, but it still says something that they conceded just 34 total sacks in the title-winning seasons of 1972 and ’73. That’s how many sacks Miami gave up last season alone.

2. 1984: Air Marino cleared for takeoff

Jon Giesler, Roy Foster, Dwight Stephenson, Ed Newman, Cleveland Green

With Dan Marino lighting it up with a record 48 touchdown passes and 5,084 yards, defenses knew they had to stop him. Nobody could. Not only did this line allow 14 sacks all season, but Miami averaged 4.0 yards per carry. Of course, the leader of the group was Stephenson. Congratulations if you’ve detected a trend. Having a Hall of Fame center makes a huge difference.

3. 1990: The Webb-Sims years begin

Richmond Webb, Keith Sims, Jeff Uhlenhake, Harry Galbreath, Mark Dennis

Coming off an 8-8 season, Don Shula set out to keep Marino’s uniform clean for years to come. He drafted Webb, a left tackle, and Sims, a left guard, with his first two picks and got years of Pro Bowl blocking as a reward. Marino was sacked only 16 times in their rookie season and Miami improved to 12-4.

4. 2016: First-round pedigree

Branden Albert, Laremy Tunsil, Anthony Steen/Mike Pouncey, Jermon Bushrod, Ja’Wuan James

After a 1-4 start, this group hit its stride by mauling the Pittsburgh Steelers (how often do you see those words?) as running back Jay Ajayi rushed for 204 yards and two touchdowns. That triggered a run to the playoffs as Ajayi totaled 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns. The Dolphins averaged 4.5 per rush behind former first-round picks Albert, Tunsil, Pouncey and James.