A position that hasn’t really been much of the talk this offseason has been the running back position. This is partially because it is one of the positions with the most depth on the Dolphins offense. That being said there are definite questions on how coach Philbin will both distribute the carries and utilize the Dolphins best playmaker Reggie Bush.
There has already been talk of Reggie Bush being used more as a receiver and could be used in a role similar to Darren Sproles in Bush’s old stopping grounds in New Orleans. Should Bush be able to stay healthy, he should be a focal point in the Dolphins offense again this season.
Bush has set high goals for himself even mentioning earlier in the offseason that he would like to contend for the leagues rushing title. While that will be a difficult goal to reach with Bush
never gaining over 1,500 rushing yards in his career, you cannot question Bush work ethic and determination. Since coming to the Dolphins you would be hard pressed to find a player working harder than Reggie Bush.
That being said the Dolphins are hoping that last year’s rookie disappointment second rounder Daniel Thomas can mature into a more complete back. Thomas left plenty on the field last year and didn’t take advantage when was given opportunities. Thomas has also set a personal goal of topping 1000 yards this season however first the Dolphins must see growth in his game and better consistent running. Thomas often left fans frustrated last season as he did not translate his tough running style from college into the big leagues.
To make things more complicated for the Dolphins they also drafted Miami native Lamar Miller in the 4th round this year. Miller was seen as a bit of a draft steal and could prove to
be useful this season. Miller gives the Dolphins depth at the position and a plan b should Daniel Thomas not develop into the runner the Dolphins have hoped. It is unclear how many carries Miller will get this year, but his play in the preseason should impact his playing time in 2012.
After your done looking at the top 3 backs on the roster, there are questions on whether how the Dolphins will use a true fullback. Charles Clay is expected to exclusively be a tight end this offseason and while he might be occasionally be used in the backfield is not expected to be used as a fullback much this season. Jerome Messam a big back from the CFL was seen as a potential fullback but with offseason injuries Messam will have to fight for his spot on this roster. Messam did have a lot of success in the CFL as a 1000 + yard physical rusher. Steve Slaton a player this coaching staff seems to like will most likely also have to fight for a roster spot this offseason.
While this position is full of depth, it is very unclear how the carries will be distributed and only one man knows the answer to that. ( Coach Philbin)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
