The Miami Dolphins have a tall task in front of them as the team trends downward and the Philadelphia Eagles move in the better direction. In need of a bounce back game, the Dolphins are looking to change up their offensive balance in hopes of sparking something positive. With Ryan Tannehill getting very pass happy lately, will the Dolphins go back to the ground game?
According to the Associated Press, the Dolphins are last in the league in rushing attempts. They need that to change if wins are going to come. Head coach Dan Campbell found success early because he put emphasis on the run game, but Tannehill threw too much against the Bills and it backfired. While the key to the game could be getting Lamar Miller running early, the Dolphins want to give Jay Ajayi more of a role as well.
According to Campbell via James Walker of ESPN, Ajayi has earned more carries in Week 10 and leads the group of fantasy sleepers. Miller is currently averaging 5.3 yards per carry which is big for the team's offense, but Campbell has a lot of faith that Ajayi can be a difference maker not that he is healthy. Having the two run in tandem in Week 10 could be what the Dolphins need for a win.
The passing game will still be critical and could include DeVante Parker. According to the Miami Sun-Sentinel, Parker has practice two days in a row as he continues to deal with lingering pain from foot surgery in the offseason. Parker told the media that he is feeling much healthier and is aiming to get more of a role in the offense. He has been relegated to the No.5 receiver thanks to the success of others, but Parker believes that will change.
"I have a lot of confidence in DeVante," Tannehill said, via the Sun-Sentinel. "I know he's struggled with injuries which is tough. You come in obviously a great college career and he wanted to step right in and he has the talent to - he's just been hindered by that foot. It's tough to see a guy that you know has talent and can help the team not be able to be out on the field. I've tried to just give him my confidence knowing when he's back healthy and not bothered by that foot that I have confidence he's going to make plays for us."
The Dolphins need Parker to improve. Right now he is being outplayed by Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthews along with Jarvis Landry. The Dolphins are not seeing the return on investment from the receiver and his improvement could be a critical factor in the second half of the season for the team.