The Miami Dolphins proved they are not dead yet. After dealing with off-the-field drama and coaching changes last week, they returned for a big win over the Tennessee Titans and hope to repeat the success against the Houston Texans. The Dolphins benefitted from a run game that finally took shape and could begin to get even better. With Lamar Miller inconsistent at best, the return of Jay Ajayi could help.
The Dolphins drafted Ajayi to replace the departed Knowshon Moreno, but his rookie season never got started after he broke a rib in the preseason. Not eligible to play until Week 9, the rookie running back did return to practice which is a positive sign for the Dolphins' run game. In Week 6, Miller added 113 yards and a touchdown which was his best showing this year. With the injury to Ajayi, Jonas Gray joined the team while Damien Williams has earned playing time. Ajayi is considered the better of the two and would likely come back as Miller's backup. For now, the Dolphins must hope that Miller can repeat the success.
"[Head coach Dan Campbell] pretty much told the whole team that we have to run the ball and stop the run," Miller said via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. "That's something that we emphasized, and something we want to get going ... Me, personally, I think I've just got to be more decisive running the ball. I feel like, sometimes, I try to be too patient to let my block develop. I've just got to be decisive."
The run game is not something to invest in in Week 7 as the Dolphins prepare to take on the Houston Texans who will have JJ Watt and Jadaveon Clowney ready to make Miller's day very long. Players like Rashard Matthews and Kenny Stills could be two options to look at for big games. Both receivers played well against the Titans and could return to help Ryan Tannehill who is in big need of back-to-back good games.
One area of concern with the Dolphins is the lack of a presence from DeVante Parker. The No.1 pick is still trying to get involved in the offense and right now he sits as the No.5 receiver. He did not get his name in the boxscore against the Titans. The receiver recently told them media he was hoping for more looks with the new coaching staff in place, but Campbell told the media he is going to stick with what is working and he feels no pressure to play Parker.
"On the other side DeVante is competing with all those guys, but now he's competing with Rishard Matthews," Campbell said, via the PalmBeachPost.com. "Rishard Matthews has stepped up his game. He's a beast right now. So he's going to have to really, really push himself to pass Rishard Matthews up and those guys. It doesn't mean he won't be getting plays, and we're going to try to work him in because he has a unique skill set himself. But it's a good problem to have. We have some receivers playing good football right now."