Knowshon Moreno is coming off the best season of his career after headlining the ground game of the Denver Broncos. The five-year veteran headed off to free agency in hopes of earning a big contract elsewhere and instead signed a one-year deal worth just $3 million with the Miami Dolphins. Expected to headline their ground game after a struggling 2013 season, early reports are suggesting things have not started off well for Moreno in South Beach.
Moreno reported to organized team activities has the No. 1 starting running back, but that might not last long. ESPN's James Walker is reporting that Moreno showed up to camp overweight and out of shape, leaving the Dolphins scrambling for other options. Right now, Lamar Miller has been bumped up to the top back as the pressure now falls on Moreno to step up and be the running back Miami thought they were getting.
Head coach Joe Philbin downplayed the issue to the media, simply noting the Dolphins expect a solid from Moreno and the weight will not be an issue much longer. Moreno ran for 1,038 yards and 10 touchdowns last season with the Broncos and the Dolphins are in desperate need of those numbers considering they had one of the worst ground games last season. However, the early reports of Moreno suggest that Miami might need to add another body to the roster incase things do not pan out. It was a lot easier to put up big numbers in Denver than it will be in Miami.
The Dolphins have been exploring adding another running back for some time now. The Miami Herald reports that the team could make an addition to have a three-headed system like the New England Patriots did last season. The Dolphins still have cap space and could make a trade for players like LaMichael James or Mark Ingram. Both running backs would not cost more than a late-round pick considering the running back market right now.
They could also look towards free agency for help. Felix Jones is still sitting around waiting for interest. While health has been an issue, he could be the veteran needed to take the pressure off Moreno and Miller. The Dolphins need an improved ground game. Ryan Tannehill will struggle if there is not a running back taking some pressure off him. If the Moreno cannot get back to his career- high ways, the team could be forced into a move.
