A Double Dose Of Miller and Ajayi Please
If the Dolphins want to have a realistic chance of making the playoffs, they have little room for error in their last 7 games of the season. Realistically, they need to at least go 5-2 over the course of their next 7 games if they want to even give themselves an outside chance of getting a wild card spot. It’s going to be extremely tough, but not impossible. However, they must start this rough road with another win this upcoming weekend against the Dallas Cowboys.
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, it appears that Tony Romo is on track to finally be able to play again after suffering a collarbone injury in the second week of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. Hopefully for the Dolphins sake, Romo will have some rust needing to be shaken off. But regardless of how Tony Romo plays, the Dolphins need to focus on getting two of their key players prepared to make a big impact in the upcoming game. The Dolphins need to make a solid commitment to the run game once and for all, and let Miller and Ajayi run the football. Running the rock is quintessential “tough” football, SO MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!
The Dolphins are 4-0 when Lamar Miller carries the ball 13 or more times in a game, but they are 0-5 when he gets less than 13 carries. First of all 13 carries is not even a lot of touches, so there really should be no reason why he is not getting 13 carries a game. Miller has been one of the Dolphins biggest playmakers on offense, and the coaches need to start feeding him the rock more. Miller currently has a 4.9 yards per carry average, which is the 5th best yards per carry average for all running backs in the league that have at least 100 carries. It doesn’t take brilliant sports gambling or the best sportsbook in the world to put the ball in your playmakers hands, and Miami needs to give Miller more running plays.
Secondly rookie running back Jay Ajayi has finally recovered from his rib injury, and has begun to show some flashes in the last two games. Ajayi has only 11 carries in two games but he has an 8.1 yards per carry ratio in both games, and has shown a nice burst, and has been a great change of pace running back compared to Miller. His ability to stack yards after contact in between the tackles The optimal strategy would be to continue to get Ajayi more involved in the offense, and sometimes even put both Miller and Ajayi on the field at the same time. Why not have a few plays designed that gets both of these players on the field together? Not only can they both run the ball, but both players are capable of making plays in the passing game as well.
If the Dolphins can finally find a way to commit to the run and utilize these two players, then they have a chance to be extremely effective on offense. The Dolphins need to have a more balanced offensive attack, and that starts with giving some love to the running game. If they can get the ball moving on the ground, then it’s only going to open up big plays in the passing game. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins news fans thoughts on the Dolphins finally getting their two quality running backs more involved in the game?
If Fins get behind early (because they cant stop Dallas vaunted OL and run game), we all know Lazor will abandon the run committment.
Only way I see us running more is if either A. Campbell fires Lazor, or B. We’re up by 2 touches early in 1st Qrtr.
Otherwise, we may not be so lucky as we were with Philly, Dallas will be looking to come in and ground and pound us. If that happens and we fall behind again, Dallas’ D is not Philly’s D so ….
Besides, our OL is not going to push that D around much.
A two headed monster is what can beat the Cowboys on Sunday. Both Miller and Ajayi should combine to carry the ball 30 times. Keep that Cowboys defense on the field as much as possible in the 80 degree weather. With a 90% chance of thunderstorms, running the ball will be pivotal. With Miller followed by Ajayi or vice-versa combining for 30+ carries, the Cowboys will not be able to overcome that kind of physical presence. Dallas gives up 4.1 yds/rush, which isn’t horrible (15th), but Miami is tied for second in the league w a whopping 4.8 yds/rush. I’ve always thought that Miami can run the ball against anyone, it is up to the staff to stay discipline and commit to that kind of game plan. Ground and Pound Sunday = WIN!!!
Turner should have started from the beginning…Philbust sucked!
So true. For some reason, Philbin never gave rookies/2nd year players a legit shot in game situations outside of preseason. Never understood that.
Jimmy!
Its the middle of the season Yes would be a great time to start rookie running back Jay Ajayi and yes I would start both him and miller. In addition I would play Matt Moore the rest of the season. The Dolphins need to win their last seven games. The offense has given up a safety 3 consecutive weeks???
How many saw the New York Gaints give the game away to their rival New England Sunday Night. I thought they had the Dolphins play book one to three pass plays and back on the side line, totally ditch their running game and lost to Payton’s passing game.
Coach Campbell needs to take the play book and Run his offense the way he wants. I’m sure he can win right now it is his team. So Run the ball Miami! How much more can we take this season???
You can’t start Moore. What would that say to the players, what impression would said players have of Campbell all the sudden? I understand and somewhat agree, Tannehill has not impressed me on the big stages thus far in his career and his pocket presence is horrible. He needs a better (much better) awareness of on coming blitzes, when/where/how. Tanny may have done nothing to secure his future status, but he also has made enough plays to maintain his current position. We are going to sink or swim with Tanny at least for this season.
Matt Moore is trash they will never start him do you know what his record is as a starting qb it’s horrible
Yeah there was a window for Moore…it’s closed now and he is a back up. Maybe for a very short spot he might do better than Tanny, but not long term. With such a long time off as a starter Moore’s skills have eroded and he was slightly above average at his best.