BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Miami Dolphins haven't boasted the greatest of rushing offenses this season, but Sunday against the best run defense in the NFL, the Dolphins weren't half bad.
The New York Jets had been giving up less than 3 yards a carry prior to their loss to the Dolphins, and the Dolphins managed 3.5 yards a rush against the stout defensive front.
It wasn't so much the quality of the runs, however, that made Miami's ground game a success against the Jets. It was the quantity.
"I’m delighted. I thought (offensive coordinator) Mike (Sherman) did a great job sticking with the run," coach Joe Philbin said Monday, via MiamiDolphins.com. "I think we called about 30-32 runs in the course of the game, which for us that’s great. I’d love to be above 30 all the time."
The Dolphins' commitment to the run and balance on offense opened up the passing game, which flourished against a struggling Jets secondary.
"We came out, knew we were going against a good defense, especially against the run and the offensive line really came with the mindset that we were going to rush the ball," Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. "The backs did a good job of hitting holes when they were there.
"I think that really set the tone for the game, and then receivers making plays with the ball once they got it in their hands."
Lamar Miller led the way with 72 yards on 22 carries, with an 17-yard run in the mix. Tannehill broke an 18-yard gain of his own, and Mike Gillisslee and Marcus Thigpen combined for 31 yards on 10 carries.
Again, it wasn't the yardage that mattered so much. It was the perseverance.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
