Abandoning the Run

Coming into this season most football gambling fans believed that Miami was going to struggle when they tried to run the ball. The reasons were two-fold, the offensive line was totally revamped and no one was accepting anything from Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller. However, Moreno was a beast in the limited action he had this season, and Miller has been consistently dangerous running the ball all year, and the offensive line has clearly been better at run blocking this season then pass blocking.

Miller is currently ranked 12^th best in the league in rushing with 782 yards on the ground. The more impressive thing is that he has gained 782 yards on only 162 carries, which is less then any other of the 11 running backs who have gained more yards then him. In addition he has a 4.8 yards per carry average (8^th best among running backs), 7 runs over 20 yards (tied for 5^th best), 6 touchdowns (tied for 9^th best), and he is gaining a first down on 25.9% of his carries (2^nd best). In addition the Miami run game as a whole is ranked 12^th best in the league gaining 115.9 yards per game. However Miami has only attempted 327 running plays this season which ranks 22^nd in the league. Only Arizona and Detroit have a winning record and less running attempts then Miami. A main reason why the teams ranked below them in attempts is because they are often losing and are forced to abandon the run.

Why is Miami with a high ranked running back and a high ranked rushing attack not running the ball more? Miami was running the ball great in the first half against the Broncos and the first quarter against the Ravens. Was it a coincidence that Miami who usually has come out flat in the first half of most of their games this season, jumped to an early lead in both the Broncos and Ravens game, when they were successful running the ball early. However, in both of those games for whatever reason, Miami decided to abandon the run in the second half, and in both games they could not hold onto their early leads and lost. I can understand that a team would abandon the run when they are not having any success with it, however I can not understand why a team would stop running the ball when they are carving up the opposing defense.

Miami definitely needs to add another running back to the roster to compliment Miller next season, but they also need to go with what works and run the ball. Most of the best teams in the league have an elite QB, however they also have a dangerous running attack. Peyton Manning did his thing against Miami, however it was CJ Anderson and the running game that really beat Miami. Tom Brady is a Hall of Fame QB, but every time he won a Super Bowl, was because they had a running attack that was equally as dangerous as their passing attack. The Seattle Seahawks are the reining Super Bowl Champions and they have one of the best running backs in the league in Marshawn Lynch. A great running game, also makes it easier to pass the ball.Miami has a decent rushing attack, but they can not be afraid to use it, especially when it is working. A well balanced offense is the best recipe for an unstoppable offense.