FanPost

Running back or the O-line? (Chicken or the Egg argument)

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

By now most of us understand that 1 area we will have to get better is in the running game. Last year we struggled to run when we needed to (3rd/4th and shorts, with a lead, etc...). So the problem was all put on the offensive line by most, while the bully-gate fiasco made them easy targets. But is it all on the offensive line for a running game to be successful. Let's look at what contributes to running issues for the Dolphins:

1) Offensive line: It is pretty well documented that we get very little "push" from our starting offensive line (especially without Pouncey in there), but what does that actually mean. From what I have witnessed in the pre-season and in 2012 was a team that was attempting to run a zone scheme (for more on that, look back into the archives as we had a great article on zone vs. gap scheme) in which we don't actually want a ton of push, simple getting bodies on bodies and creating little cracks for a running back to exploit. While we at times run a stretch in which we pull everyone uncovered, for the most part we run a zone-read scheme (blocking everyone, but the backside end).

So let's look at our Offensive lineman and see how much blame should fall on them. Many times we have guys getting blown up at the line of scrimmage, that cannot be put on anyone but the O-Line. If you want to see an example of this, go back and watch the last pre-season game (specifically a stretch play where are current 1st round pick got smoked and knocked 5 yards back). We also have times where we are completely whiffing on defenders (not to dump anymore on poor Dallas Thomas). There were also times where we blocked our guy, but never actually changed the line of scrimmage (in other words a stalemate).

In my opinion if we are laying blame for our running game the amount that should be put on the offensive (and at times they are offensive) line is: 50%.

2) Running backs: While there is plenty of blame on the offensive line, the running backs on this team are certainly part of the problem. While I like that Lazor is allowing them into the passing game (not blocking as much), they haven't been very good at picking up blitzers in the past and that helped in our 58 sacks last season. Another area fans are starting to mention is that while Lamar Miller is a blazer, he seems to go down with some of the softest contact I've seen a running back drop to. He is not a small back, and not slow so I, and others, would assume he could from time-to-time actually break a tackle. He also seems to struggle to find holes when they are provided. While I haven't seen Moreno, I am hoping he can at least help in this area.

*Disclaimer: I cannot stand Daniel Thomas.

Now onto Daniel Thomas, who is the softest running back at 235 I've been able to witness run the ball. Although as a converted QB, he runs about how many felt he would when we spent a 2nd round pick on him. To go with that, he also doesn't seem to fit in a zone scheme as he misses cutback over and over.

In my opinion blame on the running backs: 30%

That leaves us 20% left over... My call is that coaching and scheme accounts for the other 20%. While I hope to see Lazor change it up (I haven't seen it in the pre-season). It seems year in and year out we refuse to run draw/iso or any quick hitting plays in the run game. I see long developing stretch plays or zone plays, yet every time we run a quick hitter it seems to gain big yards. I am hoping Mr. Lazor will take advantage of the NFL D-Lineman that want to get up field every play by running some traps, draws or leads into the natural gaps they leave. I see teams do this to Starks and Odrick every week, let them get up field and run underneath them.

While I am hoping to see improvement (and honestly I am not sure it can be worse than last years disaster), I am yet to see the light come on for our running game and it scares me (and I'm sure all of you as well).

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.