Moreno thrilled to be back on the field | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Moreno thrilled to be back on the field

Daytona Fin

Daytona Fin

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But on Wednesday morning, Moreno, who is listed as the Miami Dolphin's fourth-string running back but is expected to battle incumbent Lamar Miller for the starting job, was all smiles after participating in his first practice since undergoing arthroscopic right knee surgery in late June.

“It feels good to put the pads on and work with the guys,’’ said Moreno, who recently turned 27. “I’ve been getting a lot of mental reps. Now I’ve just got to put these things together.

“Today was testing it out and seeing how it feels. I feel good what I did today ... Now the next couple of days I’ll just progress and do more and more each day.’’

Moreno was taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list and placed on the active roster. It’s unlikely that Moreno, who was very limited in practice, will play in the preseason opener Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons, leaving the rushing chores to Mike Gillislee, Damien Williams and Orleans Darkwa.

“This was his first practice out here today, so I don’t know if it would be a wise coaching decision [with] a guy like that [who] really hasn’t participated to throw him in a game yet, but I’m not revealing any inside secrets,’’ Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said.


Moreno said he is not worried about where he appears on the team's depth chart.

"I can't really think about the depth chart and things like that," he said. "Wherever the coaches want to me to be, that's where I'll be. I just want to come out here and work."

The 5-foot-11, 218-pound Moreno has clearly slimmed down since sitting out minicamp in the spring. He’s coming off a career-best season for the Super Bowl finalist Broncos as he gained 1,038 yards on 4.3 yards-per carry with 60 catches for 548 yards. His 1,586 yards from scrimmage ranked fifth in the NFL, and his 13 touchdowns, 10 rushing, tied him for fifth most.
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Although the Dolphins will run a hybrid zone blocking scheme, Moreno said it was quite different than Denver’s. But when your name is Knowshon, a combination of your father’s nickname of Knowledge and mother’s name, Varashon, then mastering the offense quickly isn’t expected to be an obstacle.

“I’m good with the playbook; it’s just going out there seeing it full speed versus the defense,’’ said Moreno, who signed a one-year deal worth $3 million with $1.25 million guaranteed.

A healthy Moreno is expected to be featured in the Dolphins revamped spread-out offense under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will attempt to get the ball out quickly to his speedy backs, who will be put in one-on-one situations against linebackers.

A couple of Moreno’s former teammates at Georgia, linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and safety Rashad Jones, are excited about him providing a major boost to the Dolphins’ 26th-ranked rushing attack.

“He’s very energetic, never stops,’’ said Jones, who played with Moreno at Georgia in 2007 and ’08. “He gets up after every play, big hit or not.

“I think he’s the total package, and this will be a big year for him.’’

“It would be good to go out there and feel full-speed action, but at the same time I’ll be ready whenever it’s ready,’’ Moreno said.
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http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...g-off-pup-list-today-20140806,0,2856213.story
 
Glad to hear he's back. I liked the signing a lot when it happened. I hope he helps the team.
 
Hopefully he gives us similar production to his numbers from last year. His blocking skills are just icing on the cake...much needed too!
 
I also liked the Moreno signing. Assuming he's healthy and motivated, he's a tough runner inside, and he's shifty enough to make a guy miss in the hole. He's also good at the other jobs - pass blocking, receiving. You don't love him as your feature back, but there aren't too many teams that would have trouble finding playing time for Moreno. He definitely benefited from playing with Manning, but Manning benefited from playing with such a versatile RB. Manning is less interested in RB's who are outstanding runners, and more interested in RB's who can run well, catch well, and block well. Last season, he was basically a poor-man's Edge James. He allowed Manning to run the hurry up without losing large chunks of his playbook. To be clear, Moreno is obviously not in Edge's class. He just performed a similar role that really helped Manning perform at his highest level.

Anyway, I'll be curious to see how Moreno looks in this offense. Hope he's healthy and motivated.
 
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