Patriots Week 17: 4 Things to know about the Dolphins
Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
2. Respectable ground game
Something the Dolphins do decently well is run the ball. They rank ninth in the league averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Interestingly, the Dolphins rank dead-last in rushing attempts. This can be attributed to the Dolphins often playing from behind and having to pass the ball. But the point here is that when the Dolphins do hand it off, they experience measured success.
Lamar Miller probably won’t reach the 1,000-yard mark on the season (he has 188 yards to go), but he ranks 12th among all ball carriers with an average of 4.6 yards per carry. His backup, flashy rookie Jay Ajayi, picks up 4.4 yards every time he touches the ball.
No, the Dolphins ground game isn’t historic by any means, or even one of the best in the league. But Patriots fans should keep in mind that the Miami rushing attack deserves some respect, especially after the Pats got gashed for 143 yards last week against the Jets.
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