Running game remains a question mark headed into Sunday

Written by Matthew Cannata at 8:00 AM EST | Twitter: @PhinManiacs

With Lamar Miller officially listed as questionable heading into Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, Joe Philbin talked about what the running game might hold for the Dolphins. While Philbin said that Miller has moved around well and has looked good this week, they still need to take it one day at a time and see how his body reacts to all of the treatments. However, Philbin said that he’s confident in both Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams if Miller can’t go or carry the load.

 “I like the contributions that both Daniel and Damien have made. Obviously, they’ve been more substantial in games on offense than the other two guys. But I like what both of them are (doing). I think their knowledge of the scheme, which is very important, we do a lot of different things with our guys, have to be versatile. I think both of those guys are good. I think Orleans Darkwa, he’s just a tough instinctive football player. That’s why he made the team. Some of it was special teams, but he ran the ball hard in the preseason when he had opportunities. I think LaMichael brings some different skills and he’s picked up the offense well. Obviously, we haven’t had a chance to use him in a game yet. I see progress certainly from him.”

Besides worrying about the injury, the Dolphins also need to worry about the Lions defense, which is ranked the best in the league. Philbin said that the Dolphins will need to push well on the offensive line and work hard to open up the holes in the defense.

“Well, number one, they are very stout upfront. They are a physical football team. They are active on the second level as well. Not only are they strong, but they can move and they are athletic. I think their pursuit is very, very good, and they tackle well. When you have those components, it makes it tough. What are they averaging, 3.2 or three yards they are giving up per rushing play. That’s way up there in the National Football League. They are playing good run defense.”

Regardless of who is the running back on Sunday, expect to see Ryan Tannehill to take off quite a bit in an effort to keep the Lions’ aggressive defense off balance and put them in a reaction mode instead of an attack mode. Doing so will give the Dolphins a definite advantage when they have the ball.

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