Miami Dolphins have a non-existent rushing attack
By Brian Miller
Many might have missed watching the Miami Dolphins run the ball on Sunday in New England. It’s not because the game was a blowout midway through the first half. It’s because their running game sucks.
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In two weeks the Miami Dolphins have managed to rush for 134 yards combined which is good enough to move them six spots off the bottom of the NFL’s team rushing leaders. Last season the Dolphins managed to finish 10th from the bottom.
To be fair, because inevitably one of our readers will point it out, the Dolphins have faced the Seattle Seahawks defense and a solid New England defense. While that is true, the Dolphins lack a solid running back.
The Arian Foster era is off to a rocky start. His first weekend was nothing to write home about and he left New England early with a groin injury. Foster has battled injuries the last few years and it’s not looking like a year off from an injury is going to help him stay on the field in 2016.
If Foster’s injuries continue to mount the Dolphins will need to turn to Jay Ajayi like they did on Sunday. Ajayi was far from impressive in relief of Foster rushing 5 times for 14 yards. Less than three yards per carry.
Later in the game the Dolphins gave rookie Kenyan Drake some time with little results. Overall the Dolphins have a big problem on their hands and in case you are wondering, Lamar Miller toted the rock 25 times for 83 yards against a solid Chiefs defensive front.
Miami simply is not getting enough from their running backs. While the offensive line can be blamed as well and should be, the runners are not running with any degree of physicality. For the 2nd week in a row the team was unable to pick up a first down when facing less than a yard.
When the running game isn’t working too much pressure is put on the quarterback and frankly Ryan Tannehill is constantly being battered and beaten. Opposing teams do not fear or worry about the Dolphins rushing attack and are lining up to knock Tannehill on his rear end.
The Dolphins need to solve this problem and they need to do it quickly. They will face tough defenses this season and Adam Gase must find a way to get this part of his offense moving.