The Miami Dolphins decided to let go of Reggie Bush during the free agency period. While Bush was productive for the Dolphins last season, he came up shy of a 1,000 yard rushing season (986 total yards).
The Dolphins have two very capable replacement backs for the upcoming season. Both Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller are returning for the 2013-14 season. Last season, Thomas had 91 carries for 325 total rushing yards. Bush carried the ball 227 times during that same season which is more than double the amount of carries Thomas had. If Thomas was handed the ball more often, he may have had stats that were comparable in numbers to that of Bush’s.
Lamar Miller carried the ball 51 times last season for 250 yards, but proved he has the ability to improve if given the chance. Comparing all three players to eachother on the basis of average yards per carry, Miller is first with 4.9 yards per carry, Bush is second with 4.3, and Thomas is last with 3.9. Miller is the type of back that hits gaps when they are open to him, he just needs to work on his instinctiveness which will all him to create gaps for himself just as Bush does.
Coach Philbin only had good things to say about Bush in a recent interview. He was a “Very good football player. Very professional.” When he was asked if Lamar Miller would have higher expectations this season, Philbin stated that “hopefully he’ll see the opportunity that’s out there in front of him and take advantage of it.”
Looking forward to the upcoming season, the Dolphins should not feel as if they lost their only play-maker. The combination of Thomas and Miller will still bring explosive running to the Dolphin’s offensive unit and with an improved receiving core, there will certainly be more passing, taking some pressure off of teh running backs.
