Miami Dolphins: 5 reasons for optimism

Nov 8, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

2. Liking the Balance

Lamar Miller has been on fire ever since the coaching change from Joe Philbin to Campbell took place, and the Dolphins have finally been willing to give one of the NFL’s best running backs a full workload. Not only has he been busy racking up yardage and yards after contact on the ground, but the consistent source of yardage has been busy piling up receptions with a 90.0% catch rate on the season.

Beyond the fact that the Dolphins now have a balanced offense led by a legitimate star at the running back position and a decent starting quarterback, this team has a better offense than their ranking as the 23rd scoring offense indicates. Although they managed just 17 points against the Bills last week, they had to start several drives in unfavorable field position and could have had a better game if Stephon Gilmore didn’t stop them at the goal-line just before the half.

In any case, the Dolphins have an excellent group of pass-catchers with Kenny Stills as a deep threat and the duo of Jarvis Landry and Rishard Matthews moving the chains as well as any possession receivers in the NFL this season. The Dolphins offense, despite their below-average numbers and continually woeful blocking, has the upside to be a quality unit, and it’s hard not to ignore what they did to the Tennessee Titans and Texans a few weeks ago.

Next: Only one elite team remaining