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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Aug. 3 (UPI) — Coaches claim that the Miami Dolphins have a group of running backs capable of improving the team’s rushing attack, which has struggled for the past two decades. There have been rumors of interest in free agent Dalvin Cook, but the team is currently focused on enhancing their offensive performance this season.
When asked on Friday if the Dolphins have a running back group capable of achieving their rushing goals in 2023, running backs coach Eric Studesville confidently replied, “Absolutely.”
“It’s a talented room filled with good guys,” he added.
The running back room includes Raheem Mostert, who led the Dolphins in rushing in 2022, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, and rookies Devon Achane and Chris Brooks.
“I really like the room, and [fullback] Alec Ingold gives us a great physical component in there,” Studesville expressed. “So I love the room.”
The Dolphins ranked eighth-fewest in rushing yards in the NFL last season. They also ranked third-fewest in rushing yards in 2021-2022 and last in rushing in 2019-2020.
“We certainly could have been better, but we’re focused on improvement,” Studesville said. “We’re working on it and it’s been a top priority for us this year. We’re dedicated to pushing it.”
The Dolphins haven’t ranked in the Top 10 for rushing yards since 2016 and have only had a Top 5 rushing offense once in the past 20 years.
Head coach Mike McDaniel, who was highly regarded as a running-game guru before joining the Dolphins, along with Studesville and the players, have the task of improving the running game with the current roster. However, there is a possibility of the front office making changes as the season gets closer.
Last week, McDaniel mentioned that Dalvin Cook, who was on a visit to the New York Jets, is a “great player.” However, he also expressed that he is “extremely happy” with the current Dolphins running backs.
Studesville explained that the Dolphins are striving to develop well-rounded players in the running back position who can run, catch, evade defenders, and block. Mostert, a former wide receiver, dedicated his offseason to improving his stance and coming out of routes to enhance his pass-catching skills.
“It’s all those little things that help you become an elite pass catcher,” Mostert said. “I’ve always understood the importance of the minute details that go into being a receiver. Now, I just need the opportunity to show what I’m capable of doing.
“I’ve been doing it for years. Now, I’m on a road to becoming a complete back.”
The eight-year veteran, known as one of the fastest players in the NFL, recorded a team-high 891 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 181 attempts in 16 appearances last season. He also had a career-high 31 catches for 202 yards and two scores.
“We brought the group back, and then we got the rookies coming in,” Mostert stated. “It brings a lot of versatility to the unit. We all have the attributes, and we all want to showcase our skills as best as possible. I believe this offense is the perfect platform to do so.”
Mostert emphasized that timing is a key focus for the Dolphins this season, with the offense aiming to speed up their play calls. Aligning more quickly, combined with opposing defenses having to account for Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, could create more opportunities for the running game.
Last season, the Dolphins were hindered by penalties, totaling 118, tied for the most in the NFL, with many occurring before snaps. The team also shifted away from their commitment to the running game.
The Dolphins had a record of 3-3 through six games last season, followed by a five-game winning streak when they averaged 31 rushing attempts per game. However, they then went on a five-game losing streak, averaging just 19 carries per game.
“We also have electric players [wide receivers] on the outside, as well as a tremendous quarterback,” Wilson acknowledged. “It’s hard not to utilize those guys. It’s up to us to do our job and make it difficult to go away from us.”
Wilson expressed that he would welcome Cook’s addition to the group, but maintained that the Dolphins are already contenders for a title.
“He’s a great player,” Wilson said of Cook. “We would love to have him. It would make our room even more competitive and push everyone to another level, even though we’re already at a high level.
“But competition always brings greatness. His arrival would be another addition to our Super Bowl run.”
The Dolphins’ preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons will take place at 7 p.m. EDT on August 11 in Miami Gardens.
