The Miami Dolphins are holding opposing running backs to just 2.7 yards a carry, the lowest mark in the league and half a yard better than the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Sunday, Miami's tough defensive front will be up against the only team the NFL that has yet to score a rushing touchdown this season in the St. Louis Rams.
Needless to say, "... it's going to be a challenge for us to run the football," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said of his Steven Jackson-led running corps.
“Just what they’ve done to some really good running games here early in the season," Fisher told the Miami media this week, according to the Dolphins' website. "How well they played not only against Houston, but what they’re doing average per carry, it’s clear that they’re number one in the league for a reason in rushing yards per game, because they tackle very well and they’re very stout up front and they understand run schemes and they attack them."
“Just what they’ve done to some really good running games here early in the season," Fisher told the Miami media this week, according to the Dolphins' website. "How well they played not only against Houston, but what they’re doing average per carry, it’s clear that they’re number one in the league for a reason in rushing yards per game, because they tackle very well and they’re very stout up front and they understand run schemes and they attack them."
The Dolphins' defense is the only group in the league to give up rushing first downs at a single-digit clip, surrendering chain-moving runs on just 9.7 percent of carries.
Jackson has been getting roughly 60 percent of St. Louis' rushing attempts, though Daryl Richardson is averaging 4.7 yards a carry to Jackson's 3.5.
“We’re going to have to do a great job tackling (Jackson). He's a big man obviously; he falls forward," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said Thursday, according to the team's website. "(Defensive coordinator) Kevin (Coyle) made a presentation to the guys today before he started his meeting just showing how he's a physical player.
“We’re going to have to do a great job tackling (Jackson). He's a big man obviously; he falls forward," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said Thursday, according to the team's website. "(Defensive coordinator) Kevin (Coyle) made a presentation to the guys today before he started his meeting just showing how he's a physical player.
"He’s big, he runs hard and he's tough. You can’t just grab a hold of him or he will drag you along. So you’ve got to tackle this guy.”
