The Miami Dolphins were not expecting to have a training camp competition at the running back position, but that is currently what they are in the middle of. After inconsistencies plagued the offense last season, the Dolphins signed former Denver Broncos star, Knowshon Moreno, in hopes he could bring those career-high numbers to South Beach. The ground game will be crucial for Miami this season and so far things are not going as planned,
The running back market was weak this year in free agency, forcing Moreno into a one-year contract after coming off his best season in the NFL. The running back had 1,038 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while on an offense that ran a pass-first system. Miami desperately needed those numbers and hoped Moreno would keep up the momentum. However, Moreno showed up to offseason workouts over weight and out of shape and top things off, he was injured. Now with training camp in full swing, Moreno is getting replaced on the depth chart.
Moreno has yet to be seen on the field as he continues to heal from arthroscopic knee surgery, leaving the door wide open for a starting running back Miller saw time as the starter last year, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and according to head coach Joe Philbin, he looks every bit the part of a lead running back.
"He looks good, he looks stronger than he's ever been," Philbin said, via the Miami Herald. "I don't think he's sacrificed any speed whatsoever."
Miller is thriving under the competition for the starting job. Bill Lazor has stepped in as the new offensive coordinator and is bringing in a more uptempo offense for the Dolphins, one that he believes will only help Miller and the other running backs thrive. Lazor is trying to get the players into space more, allowing for Miller's speed to shine. What does this mean for Moreno? The more the running back sits out of training camp, the more likely it is that Miller starts in his place.
"He told me that the opportunity is great," Miller said. "They always keep the defense on their toes. Once you get the ball, you've got to take advantage of the opportunity. I think competition is the best thing for a guy. It brings the best out of someone."
Miller spent a lot of the offseason working out with Frank Gore and the Dolphins coaching staff is hoping he can become a type of back like LeSean McCoy or Reggie Bush. All of this is geared towards getting quarterback Tannehill to make that next step towards being an elite player. Most of the quarterbacks drafted around the same time as him have already tasted the postseason, leaving Tannehill in need of improving. Moreno may or may not help the effort.
