Miami Dolphins LT Terron Armstead on the OL prepping for the season
Miami Dolphins LT Terron Armstead on the OL prepping for the season
MIAMI GARDENS — That dazzling, “wonder what’s going on over on that side” dash by rookie Jaylen Wright last week still has people buzzing over what he’ll bring to the Miami Dolphins.
With it, a question or two, such as:
◦ Are there enough footballs for all these running backs?
◦ Will Mike McDaniel commit to running the ball in 2024?
Taking these in order, the answers are:
◦ Heck no.
◦ Heck yes.
There isn’t much doubt about the current pecking order in the backfield. Raheem Mostert is coming off his best season, De’Von Achane’s average of 7.8 yards per carry is ridiculous and Wright is making everybody wonder how 119 players were drafted ahead of him. If the Dolphins again keep five running backs (excluding Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold), that leaves Jeff Wilson, Chris Brooks and Salvon Ahmed competing for two spots.
Special teams will be one factor. Ability to offer a complementary skill such as power running up the middle, should tell coaches which two are the best fit.
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A year ago at this time, it was easy to throw up one’s hands and wonder if this mattered. In his rookie season, McDaniel by admission abandoned the run too easily, distracted by that shiny toy that is the aerial attack. McDaniel said this wouldn’t be repeated in 2023. He was true to his word.
Mike McDaniel did commit to the run in 2023
The 2023 Dolphins had 456 rushing attempts (up from 390 in 2022). Rushing yards: 2,308 (up from 1,686). Rushing touchdowns: 27 (up from 12).
The Dolphins ranked sixth in rushing yards last season and 15th in rushing attempts — respectable considering they featured the league’s No. 1 passing attack. Those rankings, incidentally, correlate to the 1999 St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf” play-calling distribution. Finally, the Dolphins held their own against playoff teams, averaging 107.7 rushing yards.
This is why when Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead was listing reasons for the positive vibes he was feeling Thursday, “moving people” ranked up there. That’s lingo for O-linemen imposing their will to give all these backs space.
“We have a stable,” Armstead said. “We do. We have a stable. Very dynamic. A lot of speed. And then you’ve got guys that have their own, unique styles, too. … We have a lot of guys that can hit a home run. So up front it definitely gives you a boost of energy. And you know you don’t have to do too much. You get your man and it’s a chance to be a home run.”
You hear about the Dolphins hitting home runs and you automatically think of Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. That’ll never change, even though Wright’s arrival is one more reason coordinators can’t overcommit.
“We have weapons all over the field,” Armstead said. “And we’re not apologizing for it. I want all of them out there. … You know about the two guys outside, as you should. You better game plan for those two and the ones in the backfield and up front.”
Salvon Ahmed competing in a crowded RB room
Ahmed’s is an interesting case. He was re-signed to a one-year deal for this season and activated off the non-football injury list three weeks ago following a minor medical problem unrelated to a foot issue that landed him on injured reserve Nov. 21. Ahmed said he’s feeling “good” now.
If Ahmed can show flashes over the next two weeks, it would mark the third straight August he has done so, although he has been unable to top his 319 rushing yards as an undrafted rookie in 2020. But once again he finds himself on the bubble. The difference now: Whereas last year there was one hot back to worry about (Achane), this year, there are two (with Wright aboard).
“I’m happy he’s here,” said Ahmed, 25. “He’s working hard. He’s out there making plays every single day. You know he had a great preseason game.”
The fact that Wright could cost Ahmed a roster spot?
“You know it’s part of the job,” he said. “There’s always going to be someone younger and everybody gets older.”
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.
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Publish date : 2024-08-15 08:27:00
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