Gase Don’t Forget: J-Train Is The Tip Of The Spear

The J-Train is at the heart of Miami’s success.

Both the defense and offense has been carried by the J-Train.

Adam Gase has stated unequivocally that he ‘won’t ever go away’ from the J-Train.

But, forgetting the horse that ‘brung ya’ isn’t that rare a thing in a league full of bloated ego’s.

Jay Ajayi has ‘brung’ the Dolphins, and it’s imperative that this week against the San Diego Chargers that Gase doesn’t try to ‘get all genius’ like Pete Carroll did on the last play of Seattle’s Superbowl loss.

Now, I don’t think Gase any intentions moving away from the run — now. But as the game progresses things can get muddled, even in the minds of the very best.

The Chargers aren’t as bad as their record appears. They can put up points (3rd ranked) and they can stop the run (5th ranked). San Diego’s weakness is in their pass defense.

So, it might seem like the passing game is the path to victory.

But, in Miami’s first 4 games, where they went 1-3, the Dolphins threw the ball 67% of the time. However, over the last 4 games, where they have gone 3-1, they have turned into a more balanced offensive attack by running the ball 53% of the time. In the process, the Dolphins have changed their identity into a smash-mouth, ground and pound football team…and in doing so, they have won.

Ajayi has not only had 3 straight games with over 100 yards rushing against competent run defenses, but he has excelled in the fourth quarter and wore down opposing team’s Defenses.

The J-Train is the tip of the spear for the Miami Dolphins.

Ajayi is a big back that “runs angry as if his hair is on fire”, to quote Dan Campbell. Most of the best pay per head fans will agree that when Ajayi runs he seems to actually look for the extra contact. What is even more impressive is that as the game gets into the 4^th quarter, Ajayi actually gets stronger. What is actually the case is that his punishing running style wears on the opposing defense by the end of the game. The result of this is Miami now has the ability to run the clock out at the end of the game by picking up key first downs.

That’s one of the reason Gase needs to run the ball: increasing number of carries equals increasing output of Ajayi.

Then there is Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. While the Chargers, as a unit, aren’t highly dynamic in their pass-rush, Bosa and Ingram make up half the team’s sack production. If the Miami offense gets off schedule, and consistently finds themselves in 3rd and long, Bosa and Ingram will get pressure and that could very easily lead to a turn-over.

A major factor in Miamis wins is they have limited turnovers. Feeding a potent Chargers offense with extra possessions would not be a good recipe for success.

Miami must show the patience in the run game that they demonstrated against the Jets. But, they  must also show a greater level of composure on both sides of the ball to offset a superior offensive attack than Gag-green presented.

The Dolphins were killed by the Chargers last year and that was with Melvin Gordan averaging only 2.7 yards a carry. Miami ended the game with 19 carries while the Chargers had 36. This year a Dolphins win would be helped tremendously with a long ride on the J-Train. Can you say “Choo-Choo”? Go Fins!!!