The Miami Dolphins are counting on Lamar Miller. The second-year running back was tapped to replace Reggie Bush after he left via free agency for the Detroit Lions. However, Miller has struggled to make the jump this season as a starting running back. While the Dolphins struggle to do much on offense, Miller's low stats especially standout. As the players and coaches search for answers, wide receiver Brian Hartline believes it is a matter of Miller stepping up.
While appearing on NFL Network's "NFL AM", Harline was asked whether or not he believes Miller was capable of getting 25 to 30 carries per game each week.
"Luckily at this point in my career I don't have to make those decisions," Hartline said. "I would say our coaches are really wanting one of the guys to step up. You want someone to take the bull by the reins, and the coaches feel like that hasn't happened yet. So until that happens we are going to see multiple guys coming out of the backfield."
That is not the greatest endorsement for the running back, but Hartline is certainly not far off from his statements. At this point in the season, Miller has yet to prove to be that every-down back the Dolphins are in big need of. After five weeks this season, Miami ranks 29th in the league in rushing attempts. With the state of their offensive line, Dolphins fans cannot expect anything better.
So far this year, Miller has 211 yards off 50 attempts. He is averaging just 4.2 yards per carry. He is also struggling to be versatile, catching just five passes out of the backfield for 21 yards. He has only carried the ball 14 times a game once this season against the Indianapolis Colts. In the loss to the Baltimore Ravens, he carried the ball just seven times.
Fantasy owners are not thrilled with Miller. Prior to the season starting, Miller was hyped up as a solid fantasy option considering he was going to be the top back for the Dolphins. However, he is continuing to disappoint. Adrian Peterson, Alfred Morris and Doug Martin were all on bye weeks and Miller failed to step up, much like Hartline said.
Head coach Joe Philbin stressed the team will continue to give Miller a big work load. As Ryan Tannehill continues to struggle with turnovers, the team will take the gas off the pass-heavy offense and work with the ground game more. Miami has a bye during Week 6, but the offense could look different come Week 7 against Buffalo.
