Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Hartline: Coaches want one of RBs to step up

BY SEAN DONOVAN

This offseason, the Miami Dolphins stood pat at the running back position with the expectation that one of their two young prospects would establish themselves as the primary rusher.

Five games into the season, the Dolphins rank 28th in rushing, and some are questioning whether either Lamar Miller or Daniel Thomas will be able to seize the starting tailback position.

That may not be apparent to the Dolphins players, either.

"Our coaches are really wanting one of the guys to step up," wide receiver Brian Hartline told NFL Network Wednesday. "You want someone to take the bull by the reins, and the coaches feel like that hasn't happened yet."

The Dolphins haven't gotten consistent production from either, with Miller averaging 4.2 yards per carry and Thomas just 2.6. Hartline expects both to continue to rotate until one shows a little bit more.

"Until that happens we are going to see multiple guys coming out of the backfield," he said.

Miller is clearly the more talented runner of the two, but his mediocre production has warranted the team's current rotating system. Thomas offers a little more in pass protection and as a receiver.

When asked if either was ready to be the full-time starter, Hartline deflected.

"Luckily at this point in my career I don't have to make those decisions," he said.

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