Don’t forget about the Run Game

Jimmy Bourbon

9 years ago

Over the last decade, the NFL has smoothly transitioned from a ground and pound league into an all out passing league. The rules make it even more difficult for defenders to cover wide receivers and for defenders to hit the QB, which makes it more enticing to throw the ball. Also, it is a lot easier to pick up big chunk plays throwing the ball through the air, than keeping on the ground and having to run through the stout interior of the defense.

However as much as the NFL is becoming more and more of a passing league in each new season, running the ball should not be dismissed. The best offenses know how to keep a balance with their play calling and alternate between passing and running the ball. Also, a great running game can cause the defense to stack the box and will leave less defenders in the back of the defense to cover wide receivers, which opens up more opportunities in the passing game. In addition when the running game is making plays, then play action becomes another viable option.

Any of you who pay close attention to past and present Miami Dolphins news know that last year going into the season there was a huge question mark in the running game, and when Moreno got injured in the second game of the season it became an even bigger question. However Miller did an excellent job stepping up, and the linemen did a great job blocking, which helped Miami to have a surprisingly potent rushing attack. All the boys at the pay per head services sites like AcePerHead.com would agree that the running back group should be even better this season.

As much as the off-season was about revamping the wide receiving group and giving Tannehill more weapons to throw the ball, the Dolphins must not forget about the bread and butter running attack. Miller is entering a contract year this season, which should only motivate him to play even better. In addition the Dolphins added a bruising between the tackles running back in the draft in Jay Ajayi, who has a skill set that perfectly complements Miller’s. These two players combined with Damien Williams should provide a healthy and skillful stable of running backs for Miami to rotate through each game.

One important factor in being successful on the ground this season is for Lazor and the Dolphins to commit to the run more often. The Phins often get into the habit of throwing the ball too much, and shying away from using more running plays. Not only does a good running game open up opportunities in the passing game, but it also eats up the clock, which keeps opposing offenses off the field, and keeps opposing defenses on the field making them more likely to tire out by the time the fourth quarter begins.

Obviously, this is a team sport so not only do the running backs have to play well in order for the Dolphins to be successful on the ground, but the offensive line needs to be able to block and create running lanes so the running backs can do their job. There is no mystery that the offensive line is one of our biggest weaknesses, mainly because of our two unproven Guards. However, it is generally easier for linemen to run block than to pass block, so a healthy dose of running the ball will also be a better strategy to utilize the skills of our linemen, especially our Guards, Turner, Thomas, and Douglas, who are all better in run blocking than pass blocking. In addition, if we let our Guards do what they do best, which is run block and we do get some positive results from them, then it will help boost their overall confidence.

Even though the NFL is a passing league, the teams that make the playoffs and go far in the playoffs do so because they have an effective running attack. So as much as the focus this season on offense is going to be around Tannehill and the passing attack, the Dolphins must not forget to use the old fashioned approach and run the ball.

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