Ajayi ready to step up Dolphins poised to up RB’s workload, but can he handle it?
DAVIE — Jay Ajayi was a pleasant surprise last season, rushing for 1,272 yards and being the workhorse of the Miami Dolphins’ offense. The third-year running back could surprise again by repeating that feat.
Such an accomplishment would establish Ajayi as the undisputed driving force of the offense, ahead of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, wide receiver Jarvis Landry, center Mike Pouncey or left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
The questions entering training camp are whether Ajayi is ready for such a role, and whether it’s possible for the Dolphins to significantly increase his role.
Ajayi averaged 17.3 carries per game last season, which ranked 11th in the league.
Here’s the best argument for feeding him the ball more often: The Dolphins were 8-0 when Ajayi had 18 or more carries. And they averaged 30.1 points in such games. They clearly benefited when Ajayi ran the ball frequently.
“In those games that I got to a certain amount of carries,” Ajayi said this offseason, “I feel like that was when our offense was doing the best.”
However, only two running backs averaged 20 or more carries per game last season — Pittsburgh’s Le’Veon Bell (21.8) and Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott (21.5).
Getting Ajayi to 20 carries per
game might be tough for a number of reasons. For example, if the run defense allows teams to control the clock like they did last season, or if the Dolphins fall behind, or if there are offensive line injuries, it could become tougher to run the ball.
So perhaps Ajayi makes his bigger contribution through touches, meaning both carries and receptions.
After all, his leagueleading 3.5 yards per carry after contact would still be a factor.
To that end, Ajayi, who regards himself as a complete back, made routerunning his priority during the offseason. He had 27 receptions for 151 yards in 2016, but thinks he could do more-this season.
Bell led the NFL in rushing attempts and receiving targets per game last season at 29.6. Arizona’s David Johnson was second at 25.8, and Elliott was third at 24.1. Ajayi was 11th at 19.7.
Bell led the NFL in rushing
and receiving yards per game at 157. Elliot was second at 133, and Johnson was third at 132. Ajayi was 10th at 95.
The hurdle when increasing Ajayi’s role in that fashion is the Dolphins, according to coach Adam Gase, want to increase backup running back Kenyan Drake’s role. And third-down back Damien Williams also will get his touches.
However things shake out, Ajayi feels he’s equipped to handle a bigger load in the offense.
“Yes, I feel like I’m a workhorse,” Ajayi said, “and I get better as the game keeps going as I continue to be a part of the game.
“Yes, I feel like if I can get a certain amount of carries, then that’ll be good for our team as well.” All open practices will take place at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie; Practice times are subject to change, for the most updated information call 954-452-7004 or go to Dolphins.com/ TrainingCamp