Under interim head coach Dan Campbell, the Miami Dolphins were seeking more balance in the offense. They wanted to push the run game and have Ryan Tannehill drop back less. They have succeeded with that at times. It worked well against the Baltimore Ravens. However, it was more Tannehill and less running against the New York Giants which caused a loss for the team. Lamar Miller is hopeful that the run game gets back to being a priority in the final three weeks of the season.
Miller is preparing to hit the free agent market, so it makes sense he is hopeful the run game becomes a priority again. Miller started well against New York with 69 yards and two scores in the first half. However, the second the game got close the Dolphins resorted back to Tannehill throwing and Miller barely touched the ball. The running back is hopeful that changes in Week 15.
"When I'm feeling it, I feel I should get more opportunities," Miller said, via the Palm Beach Post. "But it just depends on the situation if we're losing or if we're up. I was feeling it pretty good Monday night. I really don't question the play calling. I just go out there and try to make plays for this team and this organization. I really don't think about it that much."
Miller has proven he can handle the workload and can be successful. He is averaging 5.1 yards per carry, but he ranks 22nd in the league because the Dolphins have not consistently ran the ball each game. Miller wants to carry the ball more and that could play a big role in what he does come free agency. According to the Palm Beach Post, Miller would like to stay with the Dolphins since he is a Miami-area native, but if they cannot commit to the ground game, he could head elsewhere.
The Dolphins are preparing to play the San Diego Chargers in Week 15 and Miller is hoping for a strong finish to the season. The Dolphins will be getting some passing game help on Sunday. According to ESPN's James Walker, Rishard Matthews was spotted running routes during team practice as he has missed the past two games with injuries to the ribs and chest. In his place, DeVante Parker has been getting the start and excelling with the added workload. If Matthews is active in Week 15, Parker will not be a starter against the Chargers.
Matthews is another player fighting for a new contract either with Miami or elsewhere. The rise of Parker could hurt his chance of staying with the Dolphins. Both he and Miller need to finish the year strong. Matthews has a good resume to his name this season, but Miller would like more carries to prove what he can do.
"I'd love Lamar to get a thousand yards; I think that's a great accomplishment," Tannehill said, via ESPN.com. "I think the offensive line can take pride in that and the team can take pride in that to some extent. So I'd like to help him along."
