Perfect72
It's Only Happened ONCE!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...sweblog+(Miami+Dolphins+|+Sun-Sentinel+Blogs)
DAVIE – Here’s the hard reality for the Dolphins: Lamar Miller is once again their main ball carrier.
That’s how the Dolphins ended last season, when they were 26[SUP]th[/SUP] in the NFL in rushing at 90 yards per game.
Here’s another hard reality: With running back Knowshon Moreno (knee) out for the season, a huge amount of the offensive success is riding on quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s right arm and Miller’s legs.
That’s also how the Dolphins ended last season, when they scored seven points in their final two games.
It’s hard to believe, but all of a sudden the 2014 Dolphins offense has the look of the 2013 Dolphins offense -- Tannehill and Miller are the key players.
This could be big trouble.
The Dolphins really, really needed that battering-ram running style Moreno provided.
In one regular-season appearance (24 carries, 134 yards vs. New England) and one preseason appearance (10 carries, 64 yards vs. Dallas) he teased that he could be the spark the Dolphins have lacked.
Now he’s gone.
If Tannehill and Miller can become consistent playmakers, the offense is OK.
If not, the Dolphins are basically the same offense they were a year ago when they finished 26[SUP]th[/SUP] in points per game (19.8).
Think about it.
Yes, the offensive line has been revamped with four new starters, including Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert, and you have a new system.
But it’s the same quarterback (fairly inaccurate) and the same running back (not a grinder).
Neither has showed major improvement from a year ago.
It’s basically the same wide receivers (Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews) with the addition of rookie Jarvis Landry, a move that could prove significant.
But they haven’t yet showed significant improvement from a year ago.
And it’s basically the same tight ends – Charles Clay and Dion Sims.
So far, Clay’s performance has dipped from a year ago.
Here’s a third hard reality: the Dolphins might have a better offensive system under first-year coordinator Bill Lazor, but they might not have enough quality talent to make it go.
The offense badly needs a running threat. Maybe it’s Miller. Maybe it’s rookie Damien Williams. Maybe it’s a combination of the two.
The offense also needs players who, when spread out one-on-one against defenders, can make guys miss and get yards after catch (YAC). It needs playmakers.
So far we haven’t seen much of that.
The offensive line seems improved, but we can’t be totally sure yet.
And Tannehill?
Well, hope that he shows rapid improvement beginning this week at Chicago.
Miller, too.
Otherwise, this offense has a very familiar look, and that could be big trouble.
DAVIE – Here’s the hard reality for the Dolphins: Lamar Miller is once again their main ball carrier.
That’s how the Dolphins ended last season, when they were 26[SUP]th[/SUP] in the NFL in rushing at 90 yards per game.
Here’s another hard reality: With running back Knowshon Moreno (knee) out for the season, a huge amount of the offensive success is riding on quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s right arm and Miller’s legs.
That’s also how the Dolphins ended last season, when they scored seven points in their final two games.
It’s hard to believe, but all of a sudden the 2014 Dolphins offense has the look of the 2013 Dolphins offense -- Tannehill and Miller are the key players.
This could be big trouble.
The Dolphins really, really needed that battering-ram running style Moreno provided.
In one regular-season appearance (24 carries, 134 yards vs. New England) and one preseason appearance (10 carries, 64 yards vs. Dallas) he teased that he could be the spark the Dolphins have lacked.
Now he’s gone.
If Tannehill and Miller can become consistent playmakers, the offense is OK.
If not, the Dolphins are basically the same offense they were a year ago when they finished 26[SUP]th[/SUP] in points per game (19.8).
Think about it.
Yes, the offensive line has been revamped with four new starters, including Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert, and you have a new system.
But it’s the same quarterback (fairly inaccurate) and the same running back (not a grinder).
Neither has showed major improvement from a year ago.
It’s basically the same wide receivers (Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews) with the addition of rookie Jarvis Landry, a move that could prove significant.
But they haven’t yet showed significant improvement from a year ago.
And it’s basically the same tight ends – Charles Clay and Dion Sims.
So far, Clay’s performance has dipped from a year ago.
Here’s a third hard reality: the Dolphins might have a better offensive system under first-year coordinator Bill Lazor, but they might not have enough quality talent to make it go.
The offense badly needs a running threat. Maybe it’s Miller. Maybe it’s rookie Damien Williams. Maybe it’s a combination of the two.
The offense also needs players who, when spread out one-on-one against defenders, can make guys miss and get yards after catch (YAC). It needs playmakers.
So far we haven’t seen much of that.
The offensive line seems improved, but we can’t be totally sure yet.
And Tannehill?
Well, hope that he shows rapid improvement beginning this week at Chicago.
Miller, too.
Otherwise, this offense has a very familiar look, and that could be big trouble.
