Paul drew a false start on a two-point attempt and other penalties, highlighting the ongoing procedural issues that hampered red-zone opportunities and scoring late in the game.

Paul, a 2024 second-round pick, praises McDaniel as a coach who believed in him and inspires confidence with a player-first approach. He credits the coaching staff for development and underlines the urgency to perform, validating the trust placed in him amid a challenging start.

Left tackle providing protection on a battling line; his quotes reflect the roller-coaster emotional ride of a 60-minute game and the need for steadier execution.

Patrick Paul steps in as anchor at left tackle, adding size and length to the Dolphins line. His progress from college to the NFL and growth in the system will determine the ceiling of the left side and the overall pass protection early in the year.

As one of the five anchors, Paul’s performance anchors Week 1 expectations. His play will influence whether the Dolphins can survive early protection with limited depth, guiding decisions about upgrading or relying on internal development.