The Miami Dolphins are doing something this season that they have not done since making the playoffs in 2008 – executing on a week-to-week basis on both sides of the ball. Led by a dominate front seven and a Pro Bowl cornerback, Miami boasts one of the top defenses in the NFL. Of course, a good defense goes a long way in determining the success of your football team. While this is the case in Miami, one unit that is not getting enough praise is the group of running backs.
Due to a very porous performance last season, there were no real expectations for the Dolphins running game this year. They got a boost, however, as Knowshon Moreno signed a one-year deal with the team. He was brought in to be the featured back, but was put on the IR after just three games with a torn ACL.
More from Miami Dolphins
- Miami Dolphins: Jalen Ramsey’s injury not a huge set-back
- Dolphins could turn to other Vic Fangio favorites after Jalen Ramsey injury
- 2023 NFL Season: Evaluation 3 darkhorse MVP candidates
- Vikings to release Cook, Broncos, Dolphins to have interest
- Miami Dolphins: Which Jalen Ramsey will fans see in 2023?
Outside of Moreno, the group was mainly the same. They brought in undrafted rookie Damien Williams and re-signed Daniel Thomas after Moreno was injured, bringing back the one-two punch of Lamar Miller and Thomas. Both Miller and Thomas were selected within the first three rounds of the 2011 and 12′ drafts. With high picks invested in a tandem of backs, it was demoralizing for Miami to struggle running the football.
It wasn’t entirely their fault, though. Over the last two season Miami has had one of the worst offensive lines in the league. For the most part, their run blocking was suspect and their pass protection, well, last season they allowed a franchise worse 58 sacks.
That unit has seen a change, however. They made Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert their prized free agent signing and spent their first round pick on Tennessee’s right tackle, Ja’Wuan James. They also brought back center Samson Satele, plugging Mike Pouncey in at right guard. Not only has the pass protection dramatically improved, but the running backs are getting holes that were not available to them in year’s past.
The improvement’s made have helped Miami’s run game tremendously. Over the last two seasons Miami placed 26th (2013) and 17th (2012) in rushing yards per game. This year is a little different.
Miami is currently ranked 6th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 127.3. Led by third year back out of the University of Miami, Lamar Miller; the increase success of the running game has had a direct correlation with their overall success. In a year in which he is getting much more time to throw, a lot of pressure is taken off of the shoulder’s of Ryan Tannehill’s. Although lately he has been playing like it, he does not need to be the star of the show.
With 614 yards on the ground, Lamar Miller is 8th in the league in rushing. He has also added five touchdowns to those numbers and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Not to forget the added threat he has added out of the backfield, catching 24 balls. This is very surprising for someone who was in the process of getting written off by members of the local media. His compliment – an improved Daniel Thomas – has also had success running the football, moving the ball well in spell situations.
As a whole, the Dolphins offense is a much improved unit. They are getting good play out of their quarterback and the offensive line has produced up to par. It all starts up-front, but the play from the Dolphins running backs this season has helped the offense tremendously. Going back to their roots of running the football successfully has allowed them to control the game for effectively.
Miami is pushing for a run at the postseason and it is imperative the running game continues their trend of consistency. It may be a bit tougher due to injuries at the offensive line; however, the backs must find a way to run for positive yards. It’s not 100% on them, but a consistent rushing attack is certainly something you want to have come late season. Right now Miami has that. It must remain that way.