Return to Running 

The Dolphins will be without Daniel Thomas this week, as he recovers from his 2nd concussion this season. Reggie Bush is still nursing a knee injury, but seems to be getting closer to being 100%. Lamar Miller, who’s only seen limited action the last 2 weeks, will need to step up this week as Bush’s backup. Miller is still not fully comfortable with the Dolphins playbook, but he’s getting better. Miller will get carries and will need to show the good vision and quick acceleration he showed earlier this season.

The Dolphins must get back to running the ball effectively and will face a Rams defense that gives up an average of 4.4 yards per carry. The Rams defense ranks #18 in the NFL, allowing 117 yards per game.  At one time this season, the Dolphins had the NFL’s leading rushing (Bush) and the 2nd best run offense in the NFL.  They’ve dropped to #8 overall and must get back on track this weekend.  Running the football effectively will open up opportunities in the passing game AND will wear down the Rams defense in the South Florida heat.

Protect Ryan Tannehill

The Rams defense is tied for 6th in the NFL with the Dolphins, with 15 sacks on the season.  Robert Quinn and Chris Long have combined for 9 of those 15 sacks.  Because of this, the Dolphins must get good play out of Jake Long and Jonathan Martin.  The Dolphins need to protect Ryan Tannehill and give TE/RB blocking help to Martin and Long, if needed. Reggie Bush and Lamar Miller aren’t the best pass blockers, but they’ll need to know their assignments and make the necessary blocks to keep the pressure out of Tannehill’s face.

While Tannehill does a good job against the blitz and moves well in the pocket, it’d be nice if he could sit back, go through his progressions, and find the open receiver without taking a big hit. It won’t be easy, but if the Dolphins can keep Tannehill upright, they’ll have a good chance of moving the ball, controlling the clock, and winning the game.

What do you think the Dolphins gameplan should be?  Stop by the Phins Forum and leave a message in the Dolphins Discussions thread to let us know what you think.

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