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Dolphins' Mike Pouncey excited about move back to center

Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE / Reuters

For Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, last season was extremely taxing.

After being selected to Pro Bowls in two of his previous three seasons, he was forced to slide over and play guard, a position he had never played. Pouncey has a newfound respect for his offensive linemates now.

"I learned to appreciate my offensive guards," Pouncey told David J. Neal of the Miami Herald. "That's a tough position. I took it all in last year. I got better and better each week. I didn't appreciate my guards until I played the position."

Spacing was an issue that Pouncey had to overcome at guard after working in a phone booth at center. Although working in the run game was an easier transition, Pouncey's lack of comfort in pass protection is probably why the Dolphins decided to terminate the experiment.

"You're playing in a lot more space. You've got to block a lot of guys one-on-one in pass protection. That's the biggest thing. In the run game, it was easier because I didn't have to snap the ball then run off on guys."

After making him the highest-paid center in the league, the Dolphins ultimately agreed that Pouncey's comfort level and intelligence are better suited to snapping the ball.

"It's a position I feel comfortable at," Pouncey said. "I like to be the guy going up and getting the front set. I like to be kind of like the quarterback of the offensive line."

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