Wednesday, November 5, 2014

If Miller sits, Thomas says he's ready for starting role

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Things were supposed to go terribly for the Miami Dolphins running game this season.

With their top running back only lasting three games, not to mention a completely new offensive line after an absolutely dismal situation the year before, expectations were low for the 2014 season.

Halfway through the season, however, the ground attack is averaging the fourth-most yards per game in the league (137), and the line has gone from allowing the a league-high 58 sacks to outperforming more than half the squads in the league.

It's that line that has running back Daniel Thomas confident the run game can continue its success the second half of the season.

"Those guys, they've been getting the job done week in and week out," Thomas said via the Phinsiders show. "A lot of people questioned five new starters coming in on the offensive line. I think they've been doing a great job, and Lamar (Miller) is playing really well, as well."

Miller has been doing well, among the top 10 in both rushing yards (518) and yards per carry (4.9). Thomas, who's had 27 rushing attempts as well as nine receptions in the five games he's played, hasn't been too shabby either, turning the corner from a somewhat disappointing 2013 campaign and subsequent release this past offseason.

The 27-year-old has run hard in the limited action he's seen thus far, and he's prepared to hop into the starting role if Miller -- who's nursing a shoulder injury -- can't go Sunday in Detroit against the Lions.

"I think I'll be fine," Thomas said. "The coaches get us ready to play, and I feel more than ready to go out there and show what I can do, as well."

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