If fans had doubts about the Dolphins being able to have a run game without Reggie Bush, they have even more reason to be nervous now. In the Dolphin’s Sunday win at the Cleveland Browns (23-10), the Dolphins were only able to run for a mere 20 yards total.
Lamar Miller was given the starting RB position over Daniel Thomas, but Thomas ran for more yards than Miller and had a rushing TD. By the end of the game Miller had 10 carries for an abysmal three yards. Thomas’ totals were just as low with 8 carries for 14 yards. The rushing TD that Thomas had was executed perfectly, from the height of his jump to his ability to maintain control of the ball into the end zone. That is the play that makes Thomas stand out over Miller. Next week it would come as no surprise if Thomas was given the starting role as Miami’s RB.
On the bright side, Miami’s defense looked terrific, so even if Miami cannot necessarily run the ball, they can convert off of defensive plays. The Dolphins had three interceptions that are accredited to Dimitri Patterson, who had two, and Nolan Carroll. The defense as a whole caused absolute havoc for Cleveland’s QB, Brandon Weeden. Weeden was hit 16 times and sacked six times throughout the game. The team leaders for sacks were Cameron Wake with 2.5 and Randy Starks with 1.5. Dion Jordan even managed to make a sack in the first NFL game of his career.
Ryan Tannehill also played extremely well besides his one interception. The chemistry between him and his two most targeted receivers, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, was phenomenal. Brian Hartline had nine receptions for 114 yards and a TD, showing that his pre-season training is paying off. Gibson had seven receptions for 77 yards, but also needs to work on his ball handling skills. Charles Clay, the TE that is filling the shoes of Dustin Keller, showed his potential by catching five passes for 54 yards.
Even the Dolphin’s kicking was on target with Caleb Sturgis proving that he deserves to be the Dolphin’s kicker. He was 3/3 on kicks that went for 45, 49, and 39 yards respectively. He also managed to make all of his extra point kicks after both the Hartline and Thomas TDs.
This week in practice, the Dolphins need to focus on the run game. When it came down to the fourth quarter with a win in sight, the Dolphins could not manage to run time off the clock with their run game. This is essential for them to improve upon because most of the Dolphin’s games come down to fourth quarter stands, which against more difficult teams, will require time to be run off the clock.
