The Miami Dolphins are once again struggling to start the season as they sit 2-3 on the year. The team sits in a wide open AFC and could be competitive if they figure some things out. The Dolphins certainly have a strong roster with marquee names that could make the team contenders, but for every step forward Miami takes, they fall two steps back. According to quarterback Ryan Tannehill, they have all the pieces, now they must figure out the puzzle.
Miami is getting plenty of help from their defense. The unit ranks 13th in the league in run defense while sitting at eighth in pass defending. However, the offense is a different story. The Dolphins rank 25th in passing yards per game while being sixth in the league in rushing. The issue is that they just lost their leading rusher, Knowshon Moreno, for the remainder of the year to an ACL tear. Now it is time for the rest of the team to step up.
"We have every piece we need to put this puzzle together, now it's a matter of doing it," Tannehill said, via Miami Herald.
Despite the loss of Moreno, the Dolphins will likely keep up the heavy rushing attack in order to help take some pressure off Tannehill to constantly make a throw. The Dolphins remain very confident in their offensive line including Ja'Wuan James and Mike Pouncey and backup Lamar Miller to maintain the successful attack. Miller has proven that he can handle the bigger work load, carrying the ball 25-30 times per game while he thrives in Bill Lazor's offense.
"Yeah, I feel like I can handle more," Miller said, via ESPN.com. "But anything [offensive coordinator Bill] Lazor calls, I am just trying to do anything to help this team win. Whether its pass protection or catching the ball out of the backfield or running the ball, I am just trying to do anything. I am just trying to improve overall, like everything for the most part. I feel I have been running the ball pretty good and the offensive line they have been doing a great job of just opening the holes and making my job easier."
The Dolphins will also utilize LaMichael James and Daniel Thomas in the backfield. Tannehill will also have to up to the passing game. Jarvis Landry has emerged as a true threat running alongside Mike Wallace which could work out well for the long-term outlook. Tannehill is right saying the Dolphins have the pieces, but he can make them all work together is the question.
