Four solutions for a struggling running game: (Titans D is one)

The Tennessee Titans are 30th in the NFL against the run. They are a dam with a lot of leaks, folks.

So it stands to reason that this week presents a wonderful opportunity for the Dolphins to get their limping running game -- which hasn't really stepped up recently after a fast start -- to get going again.

If the Dolphins cannot run up the yardage against the Titans, I would not expect them to do so against teams such as San Francisco (No. 5 against the run) or New England (No. 7) later this year. I would say that the first few games were something of a mirage and the truth is Miami's running game is mediocre.

But no one wants to come to that conclusion, least of all the Dolphins, so my understanding is the game plan is to run as much as Mike Sherman's pass-first orientation will allow. And my understanding is also that nothing much is expected to change with the Dolphins attack in that Reggie Bush is expected to get most of the carries and Daniel Thomas will get the rest.

So allow me to give three suggestions to improve the Miami running game -- not only this game but beyond.

1. Ask Ryan Tannehill to run more. Yes, Tannehill is just returning to health after being hobbled by a knee injury last week. But he is healthy. He is athletic, as the fact he played receiver in college proves. And he is fairly big and strong and fast (4.6s in the 40). Use that athleticism! Andrew Luck scored two rushing TDs last night. Robert Griffin III has an 80-yard run this year.

Coaches should make it plain to Tannehill that it is OK to run as long as the run finishes out of bounds or with a slide. Tannehill has not taken advantage of his running skills this year. He's run only 19 times for 24 yards (1.9 yard per rush average). It would be demoralizing to the defense to see the QB pick up first downs rushing the ball.

2. More Lamar Miller, please. I know that Miller isn't getting more playing time because the club is concerned about his blitz pickup and overall pass protection. He's also not 100 percent on his playbook.

But can't the Dolphins find three plays Miller knows and don't involve passing and put the kid in and let him explode? Miller was a 60-yard run waiting to happen in college. He leads all Miami runners with a 5.5 yard per carry average on 24 totes this year. He's explosive. He's a weapon. Give him a chance!

3. Throw in some Wildcat plays at people. Yeah, I know, I'm crazy. The Wildcat is very 2008. Nobody really runs it a ton anymore. But remember that Wildcat's purpose -- aside from surprising the opponent -- is to win a battle of numbers.

Simply, the Wildcat scheme puts as many blockers as defenders into the running play. It puts one more blocker into the play than the conventional running play. That's been one of the Dolphins' problem lately. Teams are stacking the tackle box with eight defenders to outnumber Miami at the line of scrimmage.

OK, then. Raise the stakes! Add a blocker. Let Reggie Bush run away from or Daniel Thomas run over somebody. Yes, it would put Tannehill at receiver for a play. Guess what? He's played WR in college. And as surprises go, this would be one, at least for a down or two.

Comments

[coaono]

the latinas in miami dress like whores and are dumber than rocks. they think having a big butt makes them special.

[oscar canosa]

It is true what coaono says, Women in Miami are very unrefined and only think of Sex.

[oscar canosa]

Miami is a City(and in the US context in general) where social an educational differences are blurred. $ primes here and if you are a doctor you have to take a backseat to some drug dealer, for instance when trying to get a table at a crowded restaurant.

[oscar canosa]

Less see if I can explain myself better for those who have never lived outside the USA. There is NO chance that a well Educated Latinamerican woman would let one of these creeps from Miami approach her, even if he has all the $ in the World. A case in point. Once, when very young, my friend Ralph and I went to the Beach to see if we could get some women and we brought along another Cuban guy who we didn't feel too comfortable with because he was somewhat of a low class(uneducated, gross) and who dealt drugs. We met these 3 Peruvian classy chicks that were on vacation and immediately Ralph and I scored with 2 of them(they were ecstatic) while the other chick immediately rejected our other companion and he would never score with her. The moral of the story, maybe not in this Country, but Educational and Social differences are notable.

[oscar canosa]

Of course, my friend Ralph and I, we were born of high middle class families in Cuba and educated in the best private schools there, LaSalle, Belen. WE are Educated and therefore Classy. I just need to find a Woman here in Miami that meet my parameters. Very difficult.

[oscar canosa]

As one of the integral members of the Collective(an archetype) once said(a very well known female musician), "You have to marry within the same Education".

[oscar canosa]

I know you People are out there. Any comments to my comments?

[oscar canosa]

Here in Miami, you go to a Club or Bar and meet a Woman, and chances are that she is a hooker or just a plain uneducated girl. What are we Classy men to do here in Miami? Suggestions? Anybody?

[oscar canosa]

Yes. Jake Locker sucks as a QB, but you have to contain him.

[oscar canosa]

Alright. GN.

[We Knew All Along]

Coming from a very prudish Spanish Culture Country, one of the major shocks to me when I arrived in USA was taking communal baths after Phys-Ed. Never had I taken a bath with somebody of my gender.
-----------------------------------------

How sweet, Oscar tells of his "First Time".
-----------------------------------------

There was a guy that was missing the head of his di-k(probably a dog),
-----------------------------------------

Much like he admitted too with his own sons and the kids at the sleep over, Oscar was AGAIN "Checking Out All The Wongs".

It definitely tells you something when he not only describes it, but offers an opinion on what happened to it. Of Course Oscar was taking a "Good Long Look".
-------------------------------------------

there was this guy called 3 Patas who whenever he entered the shower room, most turned their backs against the wall.
--------------------------------------------

You here that? MOST. Of course Oscar didn't include himself and say, "Most of "US" turned our backs.

Don't look now, but Oscar just dropped his soap AGAIN!
---------------------------------------------

In all, an interesting experience.

Posted by: oscar canosa | November 08, 2012 at 11:19 PM
-----------------------------------------------

Obviously, you sound like you were VERY interested. You liked all those schlongs just staring you in the face.

[Oscar is Gay-er Than Ru Paul]

Coming from a very prudish Spanish Culture Country, one of the major shocks to me when I arrived in USA was taking communal baths after Phys-Ed. Never had I taken a bath with somebody of my gender. There was a guy that was missing the head of his di-k(probably a dog), there was this guy called 3 Patas who whenever he entered the shower room, most turned their backs against the wall. In all, an interesting experience. But I made sure none of my sons went thru it.

Posted by: oscar canosa | November 08, 2012 at 11:19 PM
-------------------------------------------------------

Oscar must have drank himself to the point of letting some "Interesting Truths" slip out.

[Oscar's Gym Teacher]

Oscar would look at all the other kids and start to get........"Excited", if you know what I mean.

He was the kind of kid that would never look you in the eye. Not in the showers anyway.

It was so embarrassing for me and all the kids. But Oscar seemed oblivious. He got a rise out of it.......and I mean.......LITERALLY.

I kept telling him to stare at the ceiling for Gods Sake, but he wouldn't listen.

[We knew All Along]

Bunch of quee-s and bugas here.

Posted by: oscar canosa | November 08, 2012 at 11:29 PM

And he hangs out 24/7.

[Semi in your backside]

There's no doubt that south Florida Media has been taking money under the table..

[Desperation]

LOL from 1243 to 216 oscar was so desperate for attention that he just made post after post about some BS and finally gave up to do some other worthless activity of his because no one entertained a conversation with him. HAHAHA wow I think this proves just how pathetic you are oscar...Friday night and all you can do is talk to yourself. No wonder why no one has any respect for you

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

FIRELAND NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOTEBOOK: ESPN Gives Dolphins Rookies High Marks

Every parent out there is thrilled when their child’s report card reveals an A, and in the case of the Miami Dolphins, Head Coach Joe Philbin and General Manager Jeff Ireland are the proud parents today.

ESPN.com graded all of the rookie classes in the AFC East yesterday and at the very top was the Miami Dolphins with a solid A. The New England Patriots were close behind with an A-, followed by the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, both earning Cs.

Here was the analysis given by ESPN’s AFC East blogger, James Walker, under Miami’s midseason report card, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, right tackle Jonathan Martin, defensive end Olivier Vernon and running back Lamar Miller highlighted:

“Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland had another stellar draft class, and it’s a major reason Miami is in contention,” Walker wrote. “He landed a franchise quarterback in Tannehill, which are always bonus points. Martin has started every game at right tackle and is holding his own. He will only improve. Vernon has been a terror on special teams and off the bench. He already has 2.5 sacks, two blocked field goals and a punt block recovered for a touchdown. Miller is the third running back but has contributed in spot duty. He averages 5.5 yards per carry. You can’t ask for more from a rookie class.”

This sparkling report card comes on the heels of eight Miami Dolphins making the AFC East’s midseason All-Pro team and a handful of others being recognized by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. So with midterms over, Philbin and Ireland are looking for more accolades by the time final exams come around.

FIRELAND NOW!!!!!!!! LOL........

[NJ Timothy]

Where is everybody? Oh well, I'll go back to doing laundry.lol

[Marc]

Nice wishful thinking. Tannehill at receiver ain't gonna happen.

[Fooooolerm]

And the reason this salguero person is not coaching in the nfl is because........?

.........is because he is a below average hack journalist whose job is to provide NEWS about the Miami Dolphins. As presumably and understandably no one will talk to him he presents his opinions as fact until he can copy someone else's news.

Anyone got Ben Volin's number?

[NJ Timothy]

I cannot make it to the MBfest tomorrow.I have to vacuum the rugs and do some drapery cleaning.Maybe next year, but I doubt it,I'll probably be defrosting the refrigerator.

[Home on the Herald]

No Worries NJ Timothy,

U will be with us in spirit and Home will toast a drink to u and your honor.
Cheers!

[NJ Timothy]

Thank you Home.
Okay,I would really like to go,but I also have to clean the gutters.

[AR-15]

The Dolphins want to get going in their running game against the Titans run defense, so says Mondo. The Titans wants to get going against the Dolphin pass defense. Which one is really the worst? Dolphin pass defense sucks much worse then the Titan run defense, and which team would you rather play against, and which one allows more points more quickly? Beep sound,,,,you are right the lousey pass defense, you score more points at a much higher speed against a very soft defensive pass defense.
Tenn has come to play just like the Dolts
Dolphins 9 Tatians 14

[rodbeach]

More in at QB, pass to Tannehill

[Noah]

Truly terrible ideas.

Definitely the worst beat writer in Miami.

[pongo guam]

I am making jam today!

OH, MERRY AND JOYOUS DAY OF JAM!

[Marchcool]

Interesting suggestions Salguero. The best I've heard from you in a long time. Yes, some of them should be tried once in a while if reahearsed during the practices.
As concerns the game against the Titans, the running game should be exploited more, but the Dolphins defense has to improve a ton relative to last game, as well.
It is a must win game to keep in the play offs race.

[donshula10]

Check out the keys to a Phins victory against the Titans.
http://phinsnews.com/phins-news-picks/phins-news-week-10-17-picks/phins-news-week-10/

[Jcb]

Duke Johnson grew up 5 blocks from Dolphin stadium and is a die hard Fin fan.
We must sign him by any means necessary, when elgible!

[BOYCOTT IS ON]

BOYCOTT THE FINS UNTIL IRELAND IS FIRED! WE'RE TIRED OF THE LOSING! HELP MAKE A CHANGE!

[Mr. Alan]

If Tannehill doesnt start producing soon he should be benched. We know Moore can get it done and would have us at 7-1 if he was playing.

[not a child]

Every guy has checked out other guys in the locker room. You're a liar if you say otherwise.

God, we are SO afraid of simple sexual honesty in this society. Grow up.

[the vomit of bette davis]

I WOULD LIKE FOR THE DOLPHINS TO SIGN VIVIAN VANCE.

[ALoco]

YG4EVER,

THE REASON THE DOLPHINS ARE ON THE MOVE UP IS B/C PHILBIN ,NOT OUR GARAGE MANAGER

[oscar trying to cover himself up]

Every guy has checked out other guys in the locker room. You're a liar if you say otherwise.
God, we are SO afraid of simple sexual honesty in this society. Grow up.
Posted by: not a child

LOL oh oscar

[Gay Rights]

About 10% of NFL players are gay so about 5 on every team. I'm not going to name names on the Dolphins or any other team. Thats up to them.

[better things to worry about]

Keith Sims was/is gay. He's not even closeted, although I guess he was when he was playing.

Of course there's gay players. Just like there's gay doctors, policemen, firefighters, whatever.

Why would anyone give a crap aside from morons??

[Fin 1984]

Neither Tannehill nor Odrick are playing like anywhere near 1st rd draft choices.

[jim]

Tannehill has been excellent. Period. I've yet to see a single NFL analyst who hasn't classified him as a terrific choice and a QB with a very bright future.

If you can't see that I suggest switching to a sport more your speed. Maybe croquet.

[BOBBY]

I PUT CAT DOO DOO ON AN OLD LADY ONCE

[NJ Timothy]

jim, ranking 33rd with 5 Td's is excellent?? WTF? Take off the rose colored glasses and put down the kool-aid. Tannehill's numbers are WORSE then Henne's.

[ALoco]

THE DOLPINS SHOULD HAVE DRFED THE GREAST JACORY HARRIS INSTEAD OF THE GQ QB TENEHILL AND HIS CENTERFOLD WIFE.

(BUFFET OF KNOWLEDGE)

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

FIRELAND NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOTEBOOK: ESPN Gives Dolphins Rookies High Marks

Every parent out there is thrilled when their child’s report card reveals an A, and in the case of the Miami Dolphins, Head Coach Joe Philbin and General Manager Jeff Ireland are the proud parents today.

ESPN.com graded all of the rookie classes in the AFC East yesterday and at the very top was the Miami Dolphins with a solid A. The New England Patriots were close behind with an A-, followed by the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, both earning Cs.

Here was the analysis given by ESPN’s AFC East blogger, James Walker, under Miami’s midseason report card, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, right tackle Jonathan Martin, defensive end Olivier Vernon and running back Lamar Miller highlighted:

“Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland had another stellar draft class, and it’s a major reason Miami is in contention,” Walker wrote. “He landed a franchise quarterback in Tannehill, which are always bonus points. Martin has started every game at right tackle and is holding his own. He will only improve. Vernon has been a terror on special teams and off the bench. He already has 2.5 sacks, two blocked field goals and a punt block recovered for a touchdown. Miller is the third running back but has contributed in spot duty. He averages 5.5 yards per carry. You can’t ask for more from a rookie class.”

This sparkling report card comes on the heels of eight Miami Dolphins making the AFC East’s midseason All-Pro team and a handful of others being recognized by USA Today and Sports Illustrated. So with midterms over, Philbin and Ireland are looking for more accolades by the time final exams come around.

FIRELAND NOW!!!!!!!! LOL........

[ilikeit]

Good call on the Wildcat Armando. Tannehill has receiver skills and guess which RB we have on our roster played some QB in college....HMMMMMM

[ALoco]

FLIPPERBREED/YG/YGG4E, WHY DO YOU FEEL YOU HASVE TO POST RE-RUNS, DIDNT YOU POST THE SAMETHING YESTEDAY?

(BUFFET OF ACORNS)

[MJ]

Philbin is as doomed as Sparano was with Irescum as his GM.

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ESPY-ALOCO-IOUS,

JUST A (BUFFET OF ACORNS)

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

"ESPY-ALOCO-CIOUS"

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

The Great Stephen Morris < The Great Jacory Harris

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ESPY-ALOCO-CIOUS AMOR LA FLORA BONITA MARIA

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ALOCO COME LA BONITA MARIA EN SEXO MUY BUENO!

[Too Funny]

YG thinks if he keeps repeating the same thing over and over he'll start to believe it. LOL

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

LA BONITA MARIA TIENE UN MUY PEQUENA LA CHOCHA!

[ALoco]

I WISH THE GREAT ODIN WAS HERE RIGHT NOW,I THOGHT ID COME HERE FOR KNOWLEDGE BUT ALL I GERT HIS YG, WHO SAY ONE THING, NEXTDAY HE SAYS THE OPERSIT, LIKE FLIP-FLOPING FISH OUT OF WATER HE'LL CHANGE HIS MIND OVER AND OVER.

(BUFFET OF KNOWLEDGE)

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ALOCO TIENE UN MUY GRANDE CHOCHO DEL LA BONITA MARIA MUY PEQUENA CHOCHA.

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ALO ES NUMERO UNO CABALLERO!

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ALOCO ES NUMERO UNO CABALLERO!

[Yesterday's Gone 4Ever!]

ALOCO NECESITOS EN EL CABESA IMMEDIAMENTE! UNDELE...UNDELE..

[ALoco]

FLIPPER BREED NOW POSTING IN TO LANGAUGES SO HE CAN FLIP-FLOP BI-STYLE.

(BUFFET OF KNOWLEDFE)