Cleveland presents test for run defense
DAVIE — The Dolphins’ run defense, 30th in the NFL at 136.5 yards allowed per game, gets its biggest test of the early season Sunday when Cleveland’s Isaiah Crowell visits. Crowell, the third-year player from Alabama State, is eighth in the league with 195 yards rushing on 30 carries for an average of 6.5 yards per carry.
Crowell, who rushed for 706 yards last season and 607 yards as an undrafted rookie in 2014, is a physical back similar to New England’s LeGarrette Blount, who rushed for 123 yards against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was resting and not on the field for a few crucial fourthquarter plays as Blount was churning out 69 yards rushing on 11 carries, with most of the runs going up the middle or to the left side.
Suh, who had 12 tackles, said the run defense problems weren’t complicated.
“They had a great scheme and executed it, and we didn’t execute the way we needed to,” he said.
That was seemingly the problem with the Dolphins’ run defense in training camp and the preseason, too. The Dolphins were OK at Seattle in the regularseason opener, allowing 112 yards on just 3.5 yards per carry. But Cleveland will try to run the ball, especially with rookie quarterback Cody Kessler making his first career start.
“We have to take away what they do well,” coach Adam Gase said, “and that’s going to be the challenge for us thisweek.” Injury update
Running back Arian Foster (groin), linebacker Jelani Jenkins (knee) and center Mike Pouncey (hip) didn’t practice Wednesday. Cornerback Xavien Howard (knee), linebacker Koa Misi (shoulder), wide receiver DeVante Parker (hamstring) and linebacker Spencer Paysinger (neck) were limited.
Gase said Foster, who had a veteran rest day a week ago, missed practice Wednesday due to the groin injury he suffered against New England.