The Miami Dolphins could potentially be undergoing a changing of the guards heading into Monday night’s nationally televised game against the New York Jets.

And the decision made could have a major impact on how Miami’s offense performances against one of the more forceful defensive tackles in the NFL.

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Last week the Dolphins benched third-year guard Kion Smith midway through the third quarter and replaced him with Daniel Brunskill.

But Brunskill, a seven-year veteran signed at the start of training camp, allowed a pressure on the most critical play of last week’s 31-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills when he whiffed on a block of Buffalo defensive lineman Deone Walker, allowing the rookie to rush Tua Tagovailoa on a fourth-quarter throw that resulted in a game-sealing interception.

Smith had been filling in as James Daniels’ replacement as Miami’s starting right guard because of the pectoral injury that got Daniel’s placed on injured reserve.

Smith and Brunskill are both working with the starting unit, and offensive coordinator Frank Smith, who claims it will likely be a game-time decision.

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Whoever takes the field at right guard will likely be viewed as a target for the Jets defense.

Quinnen Williams, who has accounted for 13 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in the first three games, will likely be the best defensive tackle the Dolphins face all season, so this decision is critical.

“I have a lot to work on. I hadn’t gotten guard reps in a while, since last year because of the center injuries we’ve had,” Brunskill said.

“Technically, I’m the only [backup] center on the roster who knows the offense, so I’m getting in there and trying to get back into a rhythm. Get set in the hands. I’ve taken 1,000 reps, so there’s no excuses for that.”

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Actually, he’s taken 4,644 offensive snaps during the regular season, which includes 25 this season.

For comparison sake, Smith has taken 208 offensive snaps the past three seasons.

The Dolphins added Cole Strange two weeks ago, and he has experience playing center, so that frees Brunskill up to fill in at guard, which is his natural spot.

Tagovailoa’s comfort in the pocket, his ability to make throws from his launch spot instead of being forced to scramble around the pocket, is likely at the root of this position battle.

“We’re working through that process,” Smith said about the right guard decision. “We just want to make sure for us we’re having the right guy in the right situation, and we want to put guys in the best position to be successful. I don’t think it’s necessarily competition. We’re just trying to work to find the right fit.”

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Miami’s depth at offensive line has been an issue since the start of training camp. Daniels going down after three snaps in the season opener was a worst-case scenario, but Miami’s hopeful he will return at some point this season. And the same goes for Liam Eichenberg, the Dolphins’ top reserve on the offensive line, who is on the physically unable to perform list while he rehabs a football-related injury.

From Brunskill’s standpoint, he believes his inclusion into the starting unit can help from a blitz pickup and communication standpoint.

“No matter who’s in there, the biggest thing is communication,” Brunskill said. “When we start playing all together it’ll be huge.”