Buffalo Bills: Ranking the running backs in the AFC East
By Rob Spehar
3. Miami Dolphins: Matt Breida & Jordan Howard
The Miami Dolphins rushing attack last season was downright abysmal, finishing dead last in the league, producing a lowly 1,156 yards. After the trade of Kenyan Drake to the Arizona Cardinals, it got even worse. By seasons’ end, the Dolphins leading rusher was 37 year old Ryan Fitzpatrick! No that is not a typo, that is very true fact. He led the team in rushing with 243 yards and 4 touchdowns.
It was clear as day that general manager Chris Grier had to do something in the offseason. And do something he did. He first made a deal that saw the Dolphins send their 2020 fifth round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for running back Matt Breida. He has some speed and can make defenders miss in the open field with his agility. In 13 games last season, Breida carried the ball 123 times for 623 yards and one touchdown. Late in the season, he saw his role diminished once Kyle Shanahan saw the success he had using Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman.
Another move that was made was the signing of former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard. He is a gifted physical runner that can create yards out of nothing which helps him be more consistent in gaining first downs. In 10 games with the Eagles, he ran the ball 119 times for 525 yards and 6 touchdowns. Jordan Howard will be sharing his playing time with Matt Breida which makes a pretty decent 1-2 punch for the Dolphins. It’s even more special when you look at Miami’s rushing stats last season. That is a sight for sore eyes for all Dolphins fans.