Knowshon Moreno might be healthy, but that does not mean he is the guaranteed starter for the Miami Dolphins entering Week 1. Much has been made regarding the running back's tenure with the Dolphins since it was first reported that he showed up to camp out of shape and overweight. Moreno was expected to help stabilize the offense and help the development of Ryan Tannehill in a crucial season for the quarterback. However, after a rough start, has Moreno done enough to redeem himself and earn back the No. 1 running back spot?
Throughout most of training camp, the Dolphins had returning running back Lamar Miller ranked as the lead back. For a good portion of the preseason, Moreno was out after undergoing knee surgery and was not healthy enough to get onto the field. However, even when Moreno returned to the field, Miller was still ranked ahead of him. However, with the first game less than a week away, will that stand?
According to the Miami Herald, Moreno has unseated Miller for the starting running back spot. Armando Salguero writes that the Dolphins might be leaning towards a 50-50 split between Moreno and Miller in order to take advantage of having two running backs capable of starting on the roster. However, even if Miller is listed as the starter prior to the first game, Moreno will be the clear lead back. Salguero expects that in the end Moreno will end up being the running back with more carries and possessions on the field over Miller.
The Dolphins tried to get Miller to become the starting running back. Head coach Joe Philbin handed him every opportunity to prove himself, but the running back only put together 3.4 yards per carry in the preseason, which will simply not be enough. Moreno simply did more even in his limited showing this preseason. Against the Dallas Cowboys, the running back had 10 carries for 64 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. That has given the Dolphins enough hope that he can regain the former displayed during his career-high season with the Denver Broncos.
Plain and simple, Tannehill needs Moreno. The quarterback cannot be relied upon to throw the ball an excessive amount. In order for Tannehill to develop in this critical third season, a balanced run game will be key. Even with the success of Miller, Moreno is the better starting option. Fantasy owners should not expect the 50-50 split between the two backs to carry on for too long.
