Two years ago, I wrote about how Brian Hartline was emerging as an incredible threat to opposing defenses for the Miami Dolphins. Paired up with Ryan Tannehill served as a spring board for Hartline as he lead the team with his first ever 1,000 yard- 70 plus catch season and nearly repeated that same mark despite the addition of free agent Mike Wallace. Two years have passed and Hartline has undelivered on the promises based on his value to the franchise after signing his new deal in March of 2013.
Sadly, Hartline’s disposition to this entirely new offensive scheme features him as an option rather than the option.
Taking a look at his own performance this season, Hartline is far from his numbers from last year. Having recorded one touchdown this season (versus the Chiefs), Hartline has largely disappeared from the Dolphins offense. Since Bill Lazor has come into town, Hartline has been more of a decoy and less of a true go-to safety blanket that the Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill relied upon during his first two seasons. The targets after 7 games are clearly less, but the most astonishing figure are his 215 reception yards this season when good receivers average 80-100 on a weekly basis.
[table id=15 /]As Dolphins fans, we can assume that maybe offensive coordinator Bill Lazor will allow Brian Hartline time to get back to his old form and old ways which picked up the offense when they’ve needed it most. For now, we can look back and remember those toe tap catches on third down, the leaping ability, and the better than average hands.
With the season hitting its toughest stretch against formidable opponents, it’s time for the Dolphins to get that Hartline back on!
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