Phin Phanatic
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The Miami Dolphins running back room hasn’t improved post-draft

By Brian Miller

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown on a 59-yard pass play ahead of safety Dallin Leavitt #32 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 26-25. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 26: Running back Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins scores a touchdown on a 59-yard pass play ahead of safety Dallin Leavitt #32 of the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 26-25. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Miami Dolphins did not improve their running back roster after the draft but that doesn’t mean they are a bad unit, in fact, was it ever really bad?

Last year the Miami Dolphins run game was not very good but that wasn’t a direct reflection of the talent that Miami had on the roster. From Chan Gailey’s play-calling to COVID depleting the off-season, and finally the starting of three rookie offensive linemen, it wasn’t really all that surprising that Miami struggled.

In 16 games last year the Dolphins eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark eight times. In week 15, Miami put up 250 yards against the Patriots’ tough defense. Five of those 100-yard games came in the 2nd half of the season as the offensive line got better.

Miami also had to deal with COVID issues and injuries. Salvon Ahmed was needed to take over for an injured Myles Gaskin, and the Dolphins didn’t get enough use out of DeAndre Washington or Matt Breida.

Gaskin led the team with 584 yards and three touchdowns on the ground while Ahmed was at 319 yards and three touchdowns.

Dec 20, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed (26) scores on a two-point conversion attempt during the second half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed (26) scores on a two-point conversion attempt during the second half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Under Gailey, and I’m not suggesting it was all Gailey, but his offensive system didn’t know how to use Malcolm Perry or Lynn Bowden, Jr. Bowden rushed for 32 yards with one rush being 11 yards long. His usefulness came in the passing game where he totaled 211 yards. Perry’s numbers were much worse.

Miami traded for Matt Breida during the 2020 draft and Breida didn’t give the Dolphins what they had hoped for. Again, this is potentially the way Gailey ran his offense but Breida’s speed made him dynamic but Miami couldn’t figure out how to use him. He rushed for 254 yards and only caught 9 passes for 96 yards.

This year, the Dolphins find themselves with a new playbook and system but many of the faces are the same.

Related Story. A look at the deep secondary unit of the Dolphins. light

Gaskin is the top running back and that won’t change. He will be spelled by Ahmed and newcomer Malcolm Brown who joined the team after playing for the Rams. Miami drafted Gerrid Doaks in round seven to compete as well. Perry and Bowden both are back as well as Patrick Laird who could be the odd man out of the roster.

The Dolphins made some attempts to add players through the draft and in free agency but ultimately couldn’t make it happen. Training camp and final roster cuts could provide the Dolphins with another running back to compete or maybe challenge Gaskin to start. This unit will be a work in progress through September but Miami should feel confident in Gaskin and Ahmed being the two primary runners and if this new system pans out, we can expect a better focus on running the ball.

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