Jay Ajayi proves as much in grinding Jets as he did in 200-yd games

[DKphin]

New York came in as the No. 1 run defense in the NFL, a daunting hurdle in Ajayi’s quest to become the first man ever to go for 200 three times in a row, and defensive line’s volume climbed after the Jets stopped him for a loss three times on the Dolphins’ opening drive. When he finally broke through for a 20-yard touchdown run, he sprinted straight through the end zone and swung his fist at the padded wall behind it, then ripped his helmet off and stomped triumphantly down Miami’s sideline.
“There was a lot of talking on that drive, and I was a little bit upset,” he said. “I was just taking out some anger, I guess.”
Ajayi fell short of 200 in the Dolphins’ 27-23 victory at Hard Rock Stadium, but put forth an effort that was impressive in its own way. He’s still fighting the perception that this is merely a fluke, and he put a dent in those doubts by going for 111 yards on 24 carries.
What made this special was the way he did it. Think back to August and September. Not only was there the now-tired storyline of Ajayi losing his starting job to Arian Foster, but Miami looked like it was going to spend the entire season trying to cobble together a ground game with a variety of backs. Recall that these guys swung and missed in free agency and turned to Foster only after at least two other options fell through.

Ajayi’s game against New York was the opposite of that. It was a classic workhorse performance by him and the offensive line as they progressively wore down the defense. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in the second half and finished off the Jets with runs of 20 and 16 yards in the final two minutes.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports...ng-jets-did-200-games/MRXzx026Ob7eNuNnCC4GyH/

 

[xXwarXx]

Gotta give props to Gase for signing Brushard And switching him to guard. His vision worked.

I swear at the end of that game, every run play Ajayi ran for positive yards was behind him.

Say what you want, but the free agents Gase/tannebaum have brought in have almost all proved their worth. good sign for the future.

 

[Fin Thirteen]

Bushrod, imo, was probably the best FA signing we made this offseason. He's been quietly excellent, at a new position for him. Our pass pro wasn't as stellar as it has been but that was a serious NYJ dline and we handled them pretty well.

 

[fansinceGWilson]

Bushrod, imo, was probably the best FA signing we made this offseason. He's been quietly excellent, at a new position for him. Our pass pro wasn't as stellar as it has been but that was a serious NYJ dline and we handled them pretty well.

But, . . . but, . . . what happened to the clueless decision to put 4 OTs on the line?

 

[claytonduper]

Yes. Our ground game will certainly help our offense. Now its time for the receivers and Tannehill to step up a little more. Not necessarily huge plays but more consistency and 3rd completions. I like our new TE's and when Dion Sims returns we should be even better. I like all 3 guys. None is a "gronk" but they are very serviceable and we can sneak them into the playbook.

 

[Kdawg954]

Gotta give props to Gase for signing Brushard And switching him to guard. His vision worked.

I swear at the end of that game, every run play Ajayi ran for positive yards was behind him.

Say what you want, but the free agents Gase/tannebaum have brought in have almost all proved their worth. good sign for the future.

It was all Tannenbaum when we were 1-4 . . . Now its all Gase at 4-4. You know how this works.

And lets not forget Ndamukong Suh . . . Big contract, yes, but that guy has a chip on his shoulder this year that is downright scary. No Haynesworth here that is for damn sure.

We just need Mario to get going.

 

[Lionstone]

Bushrod, imo, was probably the best FA signing we made this offseason. He's been quietly excellent, at a new position for him. Our pass pro wasn't as stellar as it has been but that was a serious NYJ dline and we handled them pretty well.

He has performed well lately, and I agree he has been a good FA signing. My pick for best signing is Branch.

 

[FSU Truth]

Bushrod, imo, was probably the best FA signing we made this offseason. He's been quietly excellent, at a new position for him. Our pass pro wasn't as stellar as it has been but that was a serious NYJ dline and we handled them pretty well.

I wouldn't go as far as excellent, but he has been good and being good is such an upgrade over the trash we have had over the last 3 years that it seems like he is a pro-bowler.

 

[NY8123]

I said this in a different thread but the props should go to Gase and Co. for sticking with the ground and pound because it is certainly paying dividends later in the game. This is something that has frustrated me for years in Miami. Run the ball stuff, Run the ball 2 yards...............abandon ship.

Gase is sticking to his game plans and while we caught a break on the kickoff return for a TD (meaning that takes a bit of luck) the offense finally pounded the ball and ran out the clock preserving the win.

 

[dolfan91]

Ajayi has become exactly what this franchise needed, from an identity prospective. He's been a workhorse type RB and seems to thrive as his carries increase during a game. He's the proverbial "Came Out of Nowhere" type player that teams need, in order to potentially take a huge step forward in improving the entire franchise. Ajayi's setback at the end of training camp has motivated him beyond what any fan could have imagined. The credit for this transformation goes to both Coach Gase and Ajayi for working through the attitude and bonding over the trust that developed after Ajayi realized he was wrong. Gase's open mindedness helped the situation by taking Ajayi's suggestions and using his running backs best plays to design a scheme to the strength of his player. As for the O-Line and Bushrod himself, well they finally developed as a unit as they developed their chemistry by playing together. All it took was dedication and practice for Bushrod to become comfortable playing a new position. Kudos to the entire Front Office and the player's themselves. Ajayi's and Bushrod's developments will allow Miami to concentrate on other more important position come the 2017 offseason. Thank you for your supreme dedication Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Bushrod!!!!

 

[fansinceGWilson]

Ajayi has become exactly what this franchise needed, from an identity prospective. He's been a workhorse type RB and seems to thrive as his carries increase during a game. He's the proverbial "Came Out of Nowhere" type player that teams need, in order to potentially take a huge step forward in improving the entire franchise. Ajayi's setback at the end of training camp has motivated him beyond what any fan could have imagined. The credit for this transformation goes to both Coach Gase and Ajayi for working through the attitude and bonding over the trust that developed after Ajayi realized he was wrong. Gase's open mindedness helped the situation by taking Ajayi's suggestions and using his running backs best plays to design a scheme to the strength of his player. As for the O-Line and Bushrod himself, well they finally developed as a unit as they developed their chemistry by playing together. All it took was dedication and practice for Bushrod to become comfortable playing a new position. Kudos to the entire Front Office and the player's themselves. Ajayi's and Bushrod's developments will allow Miami to concentrate on other more important position come the 2017 offseason. Thank you for your supreme dedication Mr. Ajayi and Mr. Bushrod!!!!

Overlooked by many is no fumbles. Early in the season, when carried the ball, I always watched for the ball to come out. No more.

 

[TheWozz]

Overlooked by many is no fumbles. Early in the season, when carried the ball, I always watched for the ball to come out. No more.

You know, he shows a fumble on the first series...I think the first carry. I did not notice it live...


Regardless, it was an excellent performance. You know your running game is for real when you are tearing off first downs with it at the end of a close game against a good d. Also loved that Gase stayed with it even though it was floundering at times.

Edit- confirmed...first play we ran
(8:26) 23-J.Ajayi left guard to MIA 22 for -3 yards (99-S.McLendon). FUMBLES (99-S.McLendon), and recovers

 

[dolfan91]

Overlooked by many is no fumbles. Early in the season, when carried the ball, I always watched for the ball to come out. No more.

Yes that's a great point. But I would expect fumbles to occur, hopefully to a minimum. But at least Ajayi's development will allow Miami to concentrate on CB, DE and LB this coming off season. It's not definite Miami will be able to resign Branch, Culliver and Thomas.

 

[DuderinoN703]

I love Ajayi. I couldn't be more happy to have him succeed. Tanny and the WRs/TEs need to be more consistent. He has to be able to carry this team in a shootout. That might be as soon as next week.

 

[ChrisEAS]

not to spoil everyone's fun lol, but Albert and Bushrod are in their 30s and not getting any younger. Both will probably be done in 3 years, so then what? Ajayi, James, Tunsil and Pouncey are still young.