Jay Ajayi quickly rising to stardom as Dolphins win 28-25

The expectations were high for running back Jay Ajayi coming into his Sophomore season in the NFL.  Now we truly know why.

It was just a short seven weeks ago that Ajayi was in Adam Gase‘s doghouse.  Now after consecutive 200 yard rushing performances, Gase owes Ajayi more than just a longer leash.

Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers many fans like myself expected nothing spectacular from the then 1-4 Miami Dolphins.  It was a season we were all writing off, looking forward to what 2017 might bring.  Draft experts across Internet were plugging Miami in to pick in the top five come next April with LSU running back Leonard Fournette the favorite to be the Dolphins prize possession.

Like the great Lee Corso would say: Not so fast my friend!

Ajayi came out and shocked the NFL with a 204 yard, two touchdown day against the Steelers.  It was a performance Dolphins fans hadn’t seen from a running back since the great Ricky Williams ran for over 200 yards in consecutive weeks – week 12 and 13 – during the 2002 season.

Now, Ajayi can add himself to that list.  Scratch that: lists.  Not just the 200 yard club, though; after today’s 214 yard performance, Ajayi is the first running back with consecutive 200 yard performances on the ground since Williams in ’02.

While impressive, that’s not even the most eye-popping stat from today’s 28-25 comeback victory against the Buffalo Bills.

After today Ajayi finds himself on a list with Williams, OJ Simpson, and Earl Campbell as one of four running backs to ever rush for two consecutive 200 yard games.

After a rocky start to the season, Ajayi is making a serious name for himself and it wasn’t against easy competition; Buffalo came into week seven allowing just 103.2 on the ground and just 3.8 per carry.

Credit needs to be spread across the team, however.  The offensive line, dubbed as the “unicorn offensive line” by Omar Kelly, has been stout the past two weeks, opening holes for Ajayi to run behind as well as protecting quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Coach Gase can’t be passed on as not being credited also.  Down 17-6 in the second half he didn’t shy away from the rushing attack, something that former head coach Joe Philbin would do.

Ajayi and the Dolphins now head into their bye week with a lot of momentum, staring down a schedule that’s far from daunting.  Now at 3-4 there’s hope for Miami to make a playoff push down the stretch.