Miami Dolphins Running For Help
Maimi has tried running the ball without much success.
Running Backs and the offensive line both need to step it up for the sake of the season.
The Miami Dolphins are only two games into the 2016 season, and their offense is already looking eerily similar to last year’s pass heavy offense with little running of the ball. So far, the Dolphins have thrown the ball 74 times and ran the ball only 36 times.
This equates to the Dolphins passing the ball 67% of the time and only running the ball 33% of the time.
Now, I understand that we threw the ball a ridiculous amount of times in the Patriots game because we were getting blown out by half time…so, I know this game really distorts the numbers. However, the real concern behind this distortion in passing versus running is simply that Miami just can’t run the ball.
The improved offensive line has not looked that improved — in the run game. While they have improved in game 2 by reducing down the amount of times Ryan Tannehill got tossed around like Raggedy Andy, they are still not opening any running lanes.
Since the success of the running game starts with the offensive line, they need to get better in run blocking, and quickly, if Miami has any intention of running the ball.
Running the ball starts with the O-line and is finished by the backs.
The second problem is the Running Backs.
Foster played well the first game, but he injured his groin and had to leave the game. That left Jay Ajayi to handle most of the carries…well most is not saying much considering he ran 5 times out of the Dolphins total 16 carries. However, Ajayi had a very bad fumble that came at a time when Miami was just starting to get back in the game. Ajayi has not done much in his limited action with Miami, and most pay per head bookie software sites would say he looks more like a number two running back or even a number 3 back, then a bell cow starter.
Damien Williams was inactive for the game against the Pats, which meant that Kenyan Drake got a chance to suit up. Drake only got two carries, but he scored a very nice touchdown, where he was able to display his speed to get to the outside and get to the End Zone. On his 2 carries, he was able to get 12 yards for a 6 yard per carry average, and he was able to also provide two catches for 6 yards. Sure, this an extremely small sample to work with in Drake’s first NFL game, but he showed potential. I would really like to see him recieve more touches, too see if he could be more productive then Ajayi. Question is, can Drake handle more carries? If not he is just another role player at the running back position, which is fine– if Miami had a primary back.
Then there is Isaiah Pead, the most productive player in the Preseason. He has shown big play talent, but an injury dampened his spark. Will he be active this week? He’s one player I’d like to see get a few touches to see if he is legit or a flash in the pan.
It is obvious that the combination of our not so great offensive line, and not so great group of running backs is causing us to ultimately have a not very good running game. We need to desperately find a way to get something going on the ground. I also wouldn’t mind seeing a few trick plays on the ground with Grant, just to open things up a bit and keep the defense guessing. What is the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about our lackluster running game?
Check out this article about our trending Dolphins (or not):
http://dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2016/09/21/trending-upward-in-pff-rankings-ryan-tannehill-miami-dolphins-guards/
Lemmus, may not be your cup of tea, but the source is credible within the NFL community.
good article thanks…I don’t hold PFF as perfect, but there are some good signs…if all the pieces come together! Thanks Dunner!!!
Hello Dolphins
Lastly! Season 2008 the Miami Dolphins lost their 1st two games.
They completed the Season 11W and 5L
1. Chad Pennington was the QB he threw only 7 interception that season. He Attempted 476 passes and completed 321 passes, 19 TD and Rush for 65 yards.
2. Ronnie Brown was the Running Back total 916 yards and 10 TD Rushing, Receiving 254 yards.
We’ve been here before and weather the Storm. The season is not over yet!
…Steve, the wildcat worked for a few games but soon enough the other teams learned to defend it …the difference in 2008 was Pennington, not Sparano …when we lost Pennington, the team went downhill fast
…that said, if we had a RB that was a legitimate passing threat, I’d love to see us try a version of it with Tanny spread wide …unlike Pennington, Tanny would be a real threat to run, catch, or throw …much as I liked Pennington, he was never a serious run or receiving threat when spread wide in the wildcat …teams could focus on Brown instead …but with Tanny, he’d be a true triple threat
…imagine RGIII or Newton at QB teamed with Tannehill at WR …defensive nightmare
…and no, I’m not sharing my meds
Tannehill he’d be a true triple threat by adding Foster and Drake or Pead we need two backs.
Demand the Tight end block and teach them how to their jobs.
Running backs are valuable for Blocking, Screen and Rushing.
NFL Team cannot handle a solid rushing game. I’m certain.
Lets look at the Facts:
1. The last two games the Dolphins gave those games away as a
Team.
2. When have the Dolphins made it to any play off the last 15 years just on passing? And it is not wise to make it twenty years with the same insanity We will just pass our way this is the future!
***I have watched our Dolphins run a wild Cat system having 3 backs and one wide receiver.
The opposing Defense would place a 7 man defensive front A 3 man secondary playing tight for the run and A corner back guarding one wide receiver and the Dolphins score or gain many yards.
We have Foster, We have Pead and We have Drake! Keep at least two in the backfield and lets stop the foolishness!
Running the Ball every body learns how to block and it builds cohesion. The Dolphins never learned that! They are one good hit from loosing their starting QB with their insanity. Last season I recall the Dolphins rushing maybe 5 times in a game?
I keep saying that we have a team! I’m really sick of Teams chocking and making the PAT’s Geniuses.
Football is still 11 players either you block or tackle someone. Anyone of us can stand in the way for a second.
So, if Miami were to have a 2 backs on the field, where do they take that position from? TE, WR? Can’t take a TE out, they are the glue to a running game. So let’s take out Parker or Stills, WR core-our strength?
Like Admin said, running the ball does not equate to 100+ yards. for instance; Miami ran the ball 23 times vs Seattle. To me, that is running the ball, regardless of the total rush yardage. The Pats game was more about the score and the defect than it was the run game. Should the Fins have been within 10 throughout, I believe you would have seen more rushing attempts, similar to the Seattle game.
Dunner
Nice reply! The Miami Dolphins will always trailed their opponent trying to pass. We must have balanced!
We either have it are we don’t? Miami has seen 29 QB’s after D. Marino and if those 29 QB’s were coach by Bill la Cheat they would have been Students of the Game.
This is how I see the NFL! The coach is the heart beat of the team.
Super Bowl Winners
1. New York Giants 2012, 2008, 1991, 1987
2. Green Bay Packers 2011, 1997, 1968, 1967
3. Denver Broncos 2016, 1999, 1998
4. New Orleans Saints 2010
5. Baltimore Ravens 2013, 2001
6. Seattle Seahawks 2014
7. Pittsburgh Steelers 2009, 2006, 1980, 1979, 1976, 1975
8. Indianapolis Colts 2007
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2003
10. St. Louis Rams 2000
42 years later We have not learn any thing But Continue to be one dimensional Pass happy.
(Miami Dolphins 1973, 1974) Shula the heart beat
Dunner
Your point is well taken but some of those champions were pass happy!
Dunner
The answer to your questioned Yes We only need one Wide Receiver everybody else Block somebody. That’s the problem 5 receivers dropping and overthrown balls. Then want the Defense to performed Miracles. When the offense can’t even guarantee two minutes for the Defense to rest.
Watch the Tape Bill la Cheat was lost playing Tony Sparano Dolphins wild Cat offense.
Let Run our two or 3 Running backs who ever is healthy not just a throw together run game. The Dolphins run game formation looks thrown together without any thoughts.
The NFL players of today are soft and cannot hold up tackling talented Running Backs.
The run Game Worst if the work is put in.
Sparano is the only NFL head coach to lead a team to the playoffs the year following a one-win season, and only the second to conduct a ten-game turnaround, both of which he accomplished in his first season with the Dolphins. However, Sparano was fired by the Dolphins on December 12, 2011, after a disappointing season
You are right Billacheat was lost when we sprang thew wildcat on him and the Pats. But, do you know why the wildcat soon was lost. Billacheat, thats right, it was Billacheat who showed the rest of the league how to stop it. Wildcat may work for a play or two, but not as a permanent staple of your offense. And yes, you can thank the master: Billacheat for that!
As mentioned in previous posts. I don’t think we all are thinking about who it is we played and where they were played the first 2 games. I don’t mean to beat a dead horse, but ponder this:
Miami is averaging 67 rushing yards per game, and 3.7 rushing yards per attempt, which checks in at 16th. the last time I checked, 16th is exactly in the middle of the league. In the middle of the league, when I assure you that NO team has played tougher 2 games to start the season. So considering the circumstances thus far, the run game may not be as bad off as most think. Said people may just be seeing what they want to see: stats, amount of carries, yards per carry, etc. If you look deeper into the run game, there may be a glimmer of hope. I can already hear these peeps if Miami runs well Sunday; “it was against the Browns”, etc. Hogwash!!!
This team is not set up for a 22 personal system (2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR). We only have 1 true in-line blocking TE (Sims), and no true FB on the roster. 22 personal would mean sitting Parker (2015 first round pick), who if healthy may just be one of the top up and coming WRs, sitting Stills (gave up a third round pick for), whom may just be coming into his own as a WR. And, I hope we all would want Laundry on the field as much as possible. I too desire to run the ball, but with this team, and this current roster, there just is no way we can go with 2 TE, 1 WR sets as our base offense.
I know the history and success of running the ball; however, the game has changed, it is a passing league, and not just for the Miami Dolphins.
Alright, Jimmy wrote this one (I did edit and add some two-cents), but I’ll respond.
“not even Barry Sanders could run effectively behind the OL that played last Sunday”.
I think sometimes “running the ball” isn’t always properly defined — and maybe it can’t be pigeon holed.
We can all see that over 4ypc + and 100yrds + is “running the ball”…not much needed to be said about that.
But, there are others appearances of “running the ball”…the Patriots did that in there first championship run.
You can run the ball early and middle with little success…all the while making first downs in the passing game and playing solid D…late the amount of runs (not the yards wrought from them) takes it’s toll and the TOP and quickening of the game has strengthened your D and weakened theirs. Pass rush slows, your pass plays even become easier…and maybe even the run game gets some yards.
This is the type of run game I see in Miami. BUT…you need clutch catches to out weigh drops, good game-planning and above average to good defense.
The main stat in winning and running the ball isn’t based on yards but amount of carries. Miami could run the ball if they could get their carries into the 20’s. But, bad gameplan, too many fumbles and drops and a defense that fails has destroyed that opportunity.
This line is better than last years but we are running more poorly than they did…
Just my two-cents.
Admin
You hit the nail on the head. I completely agree with your points. Last week NE did exactly what you said. Early on pass, pass, pass and in the fourth qtr put us away with the run.
Miami has not been able to effectively do that.
The Run Game how much can the body and mind endure And from insanity to Sanity and peace of mind.
https://youtu.be/l3ugxgmvPB8?t=106
https://youtu.be/mg9oaYMFatk?t=3983
We have five Running Backs and need two in the backfield at all times.
If Tannehill will survive he must master the Screen to his running Backs.
I keep saying that we have a team. The Dolphins have to believe it themselves to Win.
Football is about rushing if you cant run you cant play football.
The Dolphins need to quit abandoning the run with the excuse we are behind. Then go out and throw 1,2,3 out. This is a defense killer.
If it takes running the ball 40 carries so what? This is why the This Guy gave the Dolphins about 60 rushing touchdowns (Heisman).
https://youtu.be/g4AnENZrPiU?t=225
https://youtu.be/y0MTQnD_yWk?t=19
PS: To the Miami Dolphins if you have a Heisman Trophy winner draft choice taken him please! team don’t block, can defend the run if they are always in practice defending the passed. I know that I’m right!
Larry Czonka Finished with the Dolphins at about 63 rushing Touchdowns.
Admin,
I would like to see Pead given a chance. I base this off his body of work while with the Rams. He’s showed flashes and what he needs is an opportunity. Hopefully he’ll be active against the Browns.
…not even Barry Sanders could run effectively behind the OL that played last Sunday
…Gase has to fix that …and Cleveland might be his best opportunity to put some confidence back in their play …or not …god help us if we can’t run against Cleveland
…I’d certainly like to see Pead start instead of Ajayi, but it might be Williams instead
…either way, if Gase can’t get the OL fixed, it simply won’t matter
I too am hopping for Pead. Not only Pead’s work with the Rams, he tore it up in pre-season. He may be just be what this running game needs. I do agree w Lemmus about our guards. Our guards are tackles, and that is why we are decent in pass protection now, and still seem to struggle in the run game. We do need a couple of maulers, a couple of true guards. However; could be worse, at least we are giving Tanny some more time, this is progress. How nice would it be to have Incognito at left guard, Thanks again Philbin.
Enough about the team we play Sunday and who they do or don’t have. It is the next team on our schedule, just happens to be the Browns, happens to be their 3rd string QB. They are a professional team, just ask Philly (2-0) and Baltimore (2-0). How about focusing on the Fins. I can already hear/see the posts if Miami takes care of business “It was because, it was because, it was because”…. blah, blah, blah. If Miami takes care of business, it is because Miami is on to something and there are pieces to work with. If not, I guess we are who most of you think we are.
…god how I hate to repeat myself but here goes
…we don’t have a single legitimate OG …and the OGs make the run plays work …or not
…yes, we have Tunsil …top rated player in the draft …top rated at LT …never played a down at guard in his life …and he’s being tasked with starting at LG with the fins …it’s hard enough to transition from the college game to the pros without being forced to learn an entirely new position, one your skills and physique are not best suited for …but there he is …and here we are …maybe he learns it well enough to become a strength for us there …and maybe he doesn’t
…Gase should have released Tommy Turnstile the same day he sent Fox packing …he needed to send a message to the entire team that each is accountable regardless of your draft position …but instead, he sent the opposite message …that no matter how many times you f up, if you’re a high draft pick, you get another chance …and another …and so on …the guy is our b/u at LG for christ’s sake …when, not if, Albert goes down, turnstile becomes our starting LG …unless Gase comes to his senses and starts Urbik instead …has anyone spotted any evidence of Gase doing that?
…Center and RG are marginal at best …and Pouncey is no wonder boy against the run himself if/when he returns …and we still have Turner as RG b/u whose only claim to glory is that he’s not quite as bad as turnstile …but its close …RT is average to above so and stable …but then he’s also been injured in the recent past
…in sum, our current OL is marginally better in pass protection but still couldn’t open a running lane even if they had OJ, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders all in the backfield at the same time …much less Ajayi …against Cleveland it just might be enough …but then what
…oh yes, our origami defense …the one that folds if touched
…if it was just the run game, it would be one thing …but damn, they were torched by the pat’s 2nd string QB …lit up like the White House christmas tree, they were
…that’s a problem …one I’d like to say is owned by the coaches …but then I look at the CAP and think anyone getting paid like that doesn’t get to lay the blame on anyone but himself …its his job to disrupt and he didn’t …wtfo?
…bottom line is that I’ll not be shocked by a loss to Cleveland …this is a team in disarray almost everywhere …and neither score reflects the real extent of the losses so far
…hate being such a downer, but there you are …it is what it is and I’m no Pollyanna
Lemmus,
Unfortunately, I have to agree. I said after last season that we are at least 2 years away from possibly being a playoff team. With all the newness on this team, plus the 8th hardest schedule, I see another loosing season. My prediction early on was after 4 games, 1-3. Take a look at the Thursday night games and the home team has such a high winning %. It’s really is unfair and tough on the visiting team. If we beat the Browns, we will loose to the Bengals. Count on it! This team is in a rebuilding mode after the Ireland/Philbin era. Maybe, maybe, next year after some more FA’s (especially on the OL & LB), plus another strong draft. Maybe, we can have a winning record, maybe!
I agree Stephan, but both games could have been won if not for very unprofessional level of turnovers (2 fumbles game 2), sub-par gameplanning (week 2 O/D 1st half), rare occurrences (blocked FG) and a host of drops. These don’t occur in the top level teams…I dont see it as a talent issue. Not to say this is a Bowl Team…it’s not. But, the opportunity was presented to be 2-0, it just wasn’t ceased…so potential is there, unlike previous years. Gase and Joseph need to step up. They are expected to have and be allowed mulligans, they have had them. This week I start a real review minus the “rookie” part. If they had simply been beaten and didn’t even have a chance to sniff a win..I’d be more inclined to point the finger at the talent…when you get close, more often than not it’s coaching and the setup by the coaching. But, I also agree this is a build in process as Gase and Co are trying to find “their” players and who performs and who responds to pressure in a positive way…as a note, Jordan Cameron and Parker are becoming products of “good coaching”…
Lemmus,
I don’t think things are as bad as you say. The team is not in disarray. The team is in rebuilding mode as we have been for a decade. We must give Gase a chance. I do see a win against Cleveland only because they are worse than us.
…six of one, half dozen of another …I think “disarray” accurately fits what we saw during the 1st three quarters on Sunday
…if Cleveland is worse, its only because they will start an unknown at QB, much as the pats had to go with their 3rd stringer last week after JG went down
…my hope is that Tanny has one of his good days and runs up the score on them …but then that might be the difference in who gets the first pick in ’17 assuming the fins don’t get their act together
…and we could go either way at this point imnsho …we would need to beat Cincy as well to show a real step toward turning it around, again inmnsho
…I’ve said all along that I thought we would go 1-3 to start and then get it together …but that was before the Pats game
I think Fritz the main part of the “disarray” is from rookie coaches…it’s to be expected: Growth and learning curves are married…can Gase and Co limit the height and length of the curve? What’s the time frame till “they get it”? That’s the main question. I too see a win verse Cleveland…they had better and win in style. If they don’t then it’s time to consider worrying. They now have experience, game tape and a chance to catch their breathe with few “real” injuries. Time is now to turn the arrow up…I believe it will happen.