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Lamar Miller

Dolphins’ backs: high risk/reward or…

by Christopher DuVall June 15, 2016

written by Christopher DuVall

Ajayi_Dolphins-Youtube

Dolphins’ backs: high risk/reward or…

The Miami Dolphins are headed into this season with a group of low-budget, relatively unknown running backs. The team let starting tailback Lamar Miller escape in free agency and he is now a Houston Texan. Second-year back Jay Ajayi is now the projected starter. Ajayi was drafted in the fifth-round out of Boise State. This looks to be a big risk from the outside looking in. Last year Ajayi broke his ribs in the preseason and was stuck on injured reserve with a designation to return. When the rookie returned to action he only carried the football 49-times for 187-yards and one touchdown in 9-games. Ajayi did show the ability to be a three-down back in limited action and caught 7-passes for 90-yards as the backup to Miller. Surprisingly, Dolphins’ first-year general manager Chris Grier stated his comfort level with his running back depth prior to this year’s draft when he answered reporters:

“I think we’re comfortable. I think (with) Coach (Adam) Gase’s history of what he has done with running backs, these guys all fit what he’s looking for in terms of their skill sets. But again, we’ll take any opportunity we can to add at any position if it’s a good football player.” (Miami Herald)

Can Drake shake off the injury stigma?

In May the franchise drafted Alabama running back Kenyan Drake in the third round. Drake is a talented running back but he has a reputation for injuries. Kenyan’s NFL draft report stated the following:

“Drake’s explosiveness as an all-purpose weapon is somewhat tempered by his injury history.” (NFL.com)

Drake had multiple injuries including a broken ankle that required surgery and a broken arm along with quadricep’s injury at the collegiate level. However, the rookie has shown the ability to be a playmaker but at 6-1, 210 lbs he is more of a third-down back with pass catching abilities and special teams potential. In the SEC championship Drake returned a kickoff 95-yards for a game-changing touchdown.

Gase believes

Former offensive coordinator Adam Gase has been hired as the new head coach in Miami. Gase has a track record of success with stints in Denver and Chicago. Although the Dolphins will need to establish a clear lead back, it is possible for the duo to be a successful one-two punch at the pro level, depending upon how they are used in the new offensive scheme.

The Dolphins running game was declared “a hot mess” by Elliot Harrison and Maurice Jones-Drew on NFL Network who picked the Dolphins as the second worst ground attack in 2016 behind the Cleveland Browns. The two mentioned the “availability” problem of both running backs, and new GM Grier’s failed efforts to sign Arizona Cardinals‘ Chris Johnson or Denver Broncos‘ CJ Anderson; both of which opted to stay with their respective teams. The Dolphins are also said to have had talks with Arian Foster, but no deal has been made.

Potentially career shifting gamble…

The Dolphins may be waiting to see who becomes available on the market, as veteran running backs are released closer to the start of the season. A better alternative would be to test the trade possibilities with teams carrying multiple talented running backs such as Terrance West, with the Baltimore Ravens. However, it is possible the team is planning to stay with the two unproven and inexperienced tailbacks they have in Ajayi and Drake. If they do, Grier and Gase will be taking a tremendous gamble that could prove to be disastrous to the Dolphins season and their new jobs.

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Christopher DuVall is a writer for the Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook.

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June 15, 2016 0 comment

AFC East Chicago Bears Miami Dolphins New York Jets NFC East NFL Washington Redskins

Underrated Breakthroughs?

by Damian Parson June 10, 2016

written by Damian Parson

Underrated

Underrated?

In April 2015 the NFL brought in the newest class of inductees into their fraternity. We saw young players drafted and they displayed their greatness on the field this past season. We saw the likes of Amari Cooper, Todd Gurley, Jameis Winston, and Marcus Mariota just to name a few. There are a number of players that are under the radar. The question arises, which under the radar players will make a big impact in year 2?

#5 Landon Collins–New York Giants: The young stud Free Safety coming out of Alabama is a thumping, hard hitting Safety. He finished the year with 112 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, 9 pass deflections, and 1-interception. He played well in his rookie campaign playing. Unfortunately, he was a part of a horrendous defense that was ranked 30^th in points allowed and 32^nd in yards allowed per game. The only way to go, Is Up from those statistics. The Giants did find help, by spending 200 million dollars this off-season to bring in pieces such as: Janoris Jenkins, Damon “Snacks” Harrison, Oliver Vernon, and Keenan Robinson. Those are some pretty good pieces for a struggling defense. With the great additions, Landon Collins could be given the availability to roam the middle of the field (i.e. Kam Chancellor) as a robber or enforcer. After a decent rookie campaign, Collins could be in for a bigger and better year.

#4 Jay Ajayi–Miami Dolphins: This young running back was drafted out of Boise State to bring a powerful presence to the backfield. Unfortunately on September 6^th, 2015 Jay was placed on injury reserved designated to return. He suffered a broken rib in the fourth preseason game and was sidelined until after week 6 of the regular season. This offseason Lamar Miller, signed with the Houston Texans during the free agency period. That left a hole for Jay Ajayi to fill. The team passed on drafting a running back, which proved they have trust in Jay and his health. He has a new tackle blocking for him in Laremy Tunsil and a new head coach Adam Gase. Gase has a very good offensive mind and did wonders with Chicago’s offense last season. A healthy Ajayi with Gases’ scheme can be very effective. The team ranked 23^rd rushing in the league last season. While under Gases’ offensive scheme, the Chicago Bears ranked 11^th rushing in the league. That should be viewed as positive sign for the Miami Dolphins’ offense. I am expecting a good season for the former Boise State Bronco.

#3 Matt Jones–Washington Redskins: This former Florida Gator assumed the role as the back up to starting running back (Now Dallas Cowboy) Alfred Morris. I hear some of the grumbling now, the Redskins were ranked 20^th in the league in rushing. The rookie RB stat line consisted of: 144-rushes, 490-yards, and 3-tds on the season. Allow me to play devil’s advocate here, if we double the rookie’s attempts his stat line would like more like: 288-rushes, 980-yards, and 6-tds. This shows he can produce with the right amount of touches. Jones ran for more tds than the incumbent starter Morris. Now with Morris in Dallas, the former Gator will assume the starting role. Jones also displayed strength running up the middle taking contact, but good hands in the passing game as well. He averaged 16 yards per reception on limited touches. He does need to improve on his ball security, he had 5 fumbles with 4 lost. If there is one thing that can keep you from staying on the field it is ball security. As the starter in a rising offense, Matt Jones can truly have a breakout season with his chances increasing as a versatile running back.

#2 Sammi Coates-Pittsburgh Steelers: After being selected in the 3^rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Sammi Coates came in as a developmental WR project. Coming out of Auburn, Sammi had an issues with drops and trusting his quarterback. Those characteristics contributed to him being a developmental project. The former Auburn Eagle was fourth on the depth chart behind Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton, Martavis Bryant, and Darius Heyward-Bey. Coates only recorded one catch on the entire season. With Martavis serving a yearlong suspension, it opens a vacancy for an athletic playmaker. Coates will move past Heyward-Bey to assume the Martavis role in the Steelers’ offense. Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley has expressed pleasure in the offseason Coates is currently having. Haley said:

“He’s had a tremendous offseason,”. “A guy that any day you were in here, he was in here.”

Coates is working hard to have a faster start than his rookie season. “I can’t come in slow,” Coates said about this season. “I have to come in fast and ready to go.” He is in a great position with the offensive weapons alongside him, he will draw plenty of single coverage against the teams 3^rd/4^th corners. I predict a potential breakout year for the speedy 2^nd year Steeler.

#1 Kevin White-Chicago Bears: This young receiver was projected and hyped to be a better offensive weapon than Oakland Raiders stud wide out Amari Cooper. After being selected after him in the first round, the world was ready to see him attempt to dominate the league. A bad shin injury sidelined the first round wr for his entire rookie campaign. This offseason the word out of Chicago is their young WR is COMPLETELY healthy and preparing for his “rookie” season. He has attended route-running seasons with QB Jay Cutler. The former number 7 overall pick in last year’s draft will be a huge part of the Bear’s offense. He has star wr Alshon Jeffery, tight end Zach Miller, and young rb Jeremy Langford as his running mates. White is not a proven commodity in this league, meaning he will facing single coverages. The 6’4 215 lbs wr is on the path to have a breakout year in his true rookie season.

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

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June 10, 2016 0 comment

AFC South Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Tennessee Titans

5 Reasons Jags Win the AFC South

by Jermaine Lockett May 22, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

Jags-Keith Allison Flickr

5 Reasons The Jacksonville Jaguars will rule the AFC South

If you are a huge fan of underdogs in the NFL, it may be time to find another team because the Jacksonville Jaguars are now favored to win the AFC South in 2016. You may feel puzzled as I say this, but as you view the following reasons, you may find yourself nodding in agreement. If you are shaking your head in disgust, it can only mean one thing. You are a fan of one of the other three AFC South teams

#5 Texans have some growing to do

The Houston Texans had a pretty good draft and a solid offseason but even the pickup of Brock Osweiler is not going to be enough to help this team secure the South. They will need at least a year to get chemistry between a QB who has only played 7 NFL games in his career, new RB Lamar Miller, star WR DeAndre Hopkins and the other rookie WRs (Will Fuller and Braxton Miller). There are just too many new shiny pieces to this puzzle for head coach Bill O’Brien to put to a scheme that works for all parties involved, before the start of the season.

#4 Face it! The Colts Suck!

The Indianapolis Colts had a great Draft according to Bucky Brooks, but who is going to come in and make an immediate impact other than first round center Ryan Kelly? This team allowed 47-TDs last year, ranking them 25^thin all of football. Did they do much, other than go after Clemson Safety T.J. Green to fix that? NO! Additionally, they’re expecting Frank Gore to shoulder the load on the ground? No offense, this guy has been awesome and has a great work ethic but he is too long in the tooth to be shouldering the load. Him just missing the 1000-yd mark is proof of a slight drop-off. ESPN even had this to say:

“…The Colts did very little to add to their backfield, leaving Gore in a potential every-down role. The additions of first-round C Ryan Kelly and third-round OT Le’Raven Clark and return of Andrew Luck to full health will help loosen things up for Gore.”

Without much turnover, I believe this team will finish third in the South.

#3 Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson NUFF SAID!!

These are guys who just know what to do after the catch. Their combined 24 TDs from 2015 speak to this. One has been revealed so far on the top 100 players list for a reason and is only getting better. There is not a corner in the division that can consistently hold Hurns and Robinson. Some of you will be yelling VONTAE DAVIS and JONATHAN JOSEPH to the top of your lungs, however with Hurns, Robinson and Julius Thomas all healthy, this squad is going to continue to put up the points.

#2 The Jacksonville D

This Unit was so bad in 2015 they could have simply stayed on the bench for the same result. I am not sure what is going on in the front office, but the team has made some bold moves this offseason. Signing Malik Jackson was the first of those many bold moves and then shoring up the secondary with the best CB in college football in Jalen Ramsey (yes, I know he just got hurt) is a huge improvement. Adding Veteran Tashaun Gipson and former first-round pick Prince Amukamara helps a great deal as well. Not only did they get first-round talent in the first round they got a first-round talent in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft in UCLA’s Myles Jack. There has been controversy over his knee, but I am in full belief this guy will be worth the gamble. As long as Monte Kiffin (76 YEARS OLD) doesn’t kill over before deploying his Tampa-2 Style defense on the team, this unit is going to be solid.

#1 Blake Bortles

I have said this before, and I’ll say it again. Derek Carr and Blake Bortles will run this league, in a few years. Bortles has all of the intangibles to be the biggest star in this league. He has constantly drawn comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger but I believe he is more accurate with intermediate passing. I have never seen a more confident passer in the pocket. This young man had 37 TDs (2 rushing) on the 2015 season and will probably open it up for more in 2016.

Add all of these factors to a pretty good stable of RBs in Chris Ivory, T.J. Yeldon and Denard Robinson and you might as well (in the words of Dennis Green) “crown their ***” right now!

Tune in as Jermaine Lockett chimes in on the NFL Draft briefly in his latest podcast. He did terrible in his MOCK Draft. He owns it here. Sorry for leading y’all down the wrong path.

If you would like to read or hear more from Jermaine or fellow Couch Riders, please Subscribe to our RSS feed and like us on Facebook.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

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May 22, 2016 0 comment

AFC East AFC South Houston Texans Miami Dolphins NFL

Why the Dolphins need Arian Foster

by Jermaine Lockett March 28, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

AJ Guel Flickr

Changing of the game

There are few premiere running backs in football, because of the way the game is changing. This game has transitioned to such a pass oriented league due to the YPC possible with the new signal callers. Even the basic non-football mind can understand; do you want 4.5 yards per carry or 8.5 yards per catch?

This however has brought the value of a good back down. Sure, there are teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, who value their stable of capable backs like gold because their offense runs through them. However, who else is built to run like that? The Baltimore Ravens of old were built in the constant rushing mode when they consistently ranked in the top-ten in rushing offenses since 2007. However times have changed and Ozzie Newsome has went in a completely different direction. Backward but that is another story for another time.

“Arian Fosters” are hard to come by

What I am getting at is guys like Arian Foster are very rare. This game changer has had a few injuries over the last few years. He had hips, groins, back and hamstring injuries. You name it, he had it. The upside to that is when he heals up, you have one of the best in the game. The Miami Dolphins could certainly benefit from convincing him to stay past Tuesday considering they just gave their last guy to the Foster’s former team, the Houston Texans. This team is going to need a Running monster to stay competitive in a really tough AFC EAST.

Plenty of Gas left…

While I think Lamar Miller is a very capable back, I think having Foster as the feature back in Miami is an upgrade. Foster is only 29 years old and the average life of a RB before decline is eight years. Foster has been in the NFL for seven seasons and due to injuries has only played the full 16 games in two of them. This could mean he either has some more gas in the tank in his eighth season or Miami could be in for a free-agent bust signing. I will go with the ladder. Even the Dolphins are not ready to commit according to the Miami Herald who is saying

“Both sides have made this clear, with Foster’s camp leaking he won’t sign anywhere until he’s ‘completely healthy.’ Miami is trying to establish where Foster is at in his rehab, and will undoubtedly try to wait for Foster’s price to come down. Foster is gambling he’ll be more valuable when he’s closer to full speed in May or June.”

Only time will tell…

While Foster is a frustrating fantasy football player, his talent level cannot be ignored. He knows he needs to get back to his 2010-2012 form, where he put up a combined 45 TDs rushing and receiving. For the right price, this extremely talented former Texan should be in a Dolphins uniform for the 2016 season.

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Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

March 28, 2016 0 comment

AFC East Miami Dolphins NFL

Dolphins Offense Key to 2014 Season

by Joe Cummings August 25, 2014

written by Joe Cummings

Pacdog-Flickr

Some teams are very fortunate to have a QB fall into their laps like the New England Patriots with Tom Brady and the New Orleans Saints with Drew Brees to name a few. And some teams have a big name player like Bernie Kosar (Cleveland Browns) and can never strike gold again. Which brings us to the Miami Dolphins.

In 5 of the 11-years Dan Marino played a full season, he threw for over 4000-yards 4 times & over 5000-yards in 1984 along with setting the then NFL record for TD passes with 48.

Since Marino retired in 1999, the Dolphins have:

– Had 16 different starting QB’s

– ZERO seasons where they had 4000 team passing yards (closest was 2008 when they passed for 3682).

– Averaged 3168 passing yards per season (which is a measly 198-yds/gm)

– Have not thrown for more than 24-TD’s in one season in this span (By comparison, when he played all 16 games, Marino only failed to throw for 24-TD’s TWICE).

– Made the playoffs 3-times (once since 2001), with no SB appearances.

It would appear after the most prolific passing season for the franchise since Marino retired, the Dolphins have a starting QB they can trust in Ryan Tannehill. But what about the rest of the offense? Let’s take a look:

RB: Knowshon Moreno/Lamar Miller

With the Broncos, Moreno definitely benefited from playing with Peyton Manning, and opposing defenses who were way more focused on the pass than the run. Moreno got over 1,000-yards rushing and scored 10-TD’s. However, he’s got an injury history going with his knees (2 surgeries in 2 years) and is now in an offense which has obviously proven it can’t really threaten people through the air. Coming off a knee procedure for any NFL player is risky business, but especially for a Running Back.

As for Miller, the Dolphins have obviously figured out he’s not a feature Back (As I unfortunately found out through my Fantasy draft last season!). He gained only 709-yards and scored a whopping 2-TD’s and simply could not get the ball in when the Dolphins were at the goal-line.

If Moreno comes back healthy this could definitely improve but that is a very big if, especially in a division which has a good defense (New York Jets) and a dominate run stopping team (Buffalo Bills).

WR: Brian Hartline, Mike Wallace (tentative WR starters on current depth chart).

The Dolphins brought in Wallace from the Pittsburgh Steelers in FA hoping he would put a spark in their attack. And they found out what Steeler fans know about him:

– He runs only in a straight line

– He’s a malcontent

For the millions of dollars they gave Wallace, he gave them 900-yards receiving and 5 measly TD’s (If you’re scoring at home, that’s around $10M for each TD, considering he signed a $60M contract with them). And he’s caused more problems voicing his displeasure with his targets.

Exhibit A: This response after the Dolphins WON against the Browns in Week-one of the 2013 season, as reported by James Walker of ESPN.com (Wallace unhappy after Miami win over Cleveland)

“Wallace had one reception for 15 yards in his Miami debut, a 23-10 win. He was targeted five times by quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

“I don’t feel like talking” Wallace told reporters while on his way out of the locker room.

When a reporter pressed Wallace by asking about the game plan, the receiver said “I don’t feel like talking about it. Ask Coach (Philbin).”

Unlike Wallace, Hartline was Tannehill’s go-to receiver as evidenced by his 76-receptions and 1000-yards receiving. However, he only had 4-TD’s. So for the $23M Wallace and Hartline are counting against the Dolphins cap, they got 9-TD’s. (About 2.5M per). This must change in 2014, if the Dolphins are to have any chance. They are hoping guys like 2^nd round pick, Jarvis Landry from LSU, step up and give them a dynamic to take the pressure off Wallace/Hartline. If not you will see continued problems in the passing game.

Tight End: Charles Clay/Dion Sims

Clay was a pleasant surprise for the Dolphins last season and the major reason they had success in the red zone. In averaging over 11 yards per catch and scoring 6 TD’s, he adds a much needed dynamic to the Dolphins passing attack.

Offensive-Line Outlook

The scandal between Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito sabotaged the Dolphins entire season and with their departure, left them very thin on their Offensive-line. If you go by the preseason, they should be fine (only allowing 3 sacks). If you go by the regular season, it will likely be anything but.

Final Analysis

This should be the season the Dolphins hit 4000-yards passing, if for nothing else they can’t trust their rushing attack or O-line, and Tannehill will likely be playing from behind a LOT. Still, given their schedule, playing the NFC North as well as the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, it is too much to expect a playoff berth out of the Dolphins in the 2014 season.

Prediction: 7-9, 2^nd in AFC East

Joe Cummings is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on twitter. Follow Couch Rider Report on twitter or Facebook.

August 25, 2014 0 comment