The Dolphins finished DFL in rushing a season ago, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry as a team. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team with 243 yards (245 if you count the beard), and the top remaining backs on the roster averaged 1.8 (Kalen Ballage) and 2.7 (Patrick Laird) yards per carry.
Taking those facts into account, you knew Miami was going to sign a back in free agency and, most likely, take at least one in the draft. The 'Fins pounced on former Bears and Eagles back Jordan Howard, inking him to a two-year, $10 million deal -- to mixed reviews.
The pluses: At 6-0, 224 pounds, Howard is a one-cut runner with good power, which has helped him rack up 32 touchdowns in 48 career starts. He's still only 25 years old, making one think that he can flash the form he did as a Bears rookie, when he emerged as a fifth-round pick to finish second in the NFL in rushing (1,313 yards on 5.2 per carry) and earn a Pro Bowl nod.
Howard looked good a season ago with the Eagles after being traded from Chicago, scoring seven touchdowns in only four starts and 10 overall appearances.
The negatives: Howard is coming off an injury-plagued season in Philadelphia, battling a shoulder ailment much of the year. He's never been much of a receiving threat (82 career receptions), though he has improved in that area since his rookie campaign. Also, his yards per carry decreased each year in Chicago (5.2 to 4.1 to 3.7), though much of that can be attributed to a poor offensive line and a change in run-game mindset (those in the know around the franchise lamented the absence of Howard a season ago) brought on by coach Matt Nagy.
The bottom line: There were those who took issue with the contract, which included $4.75 million guaranteed, that Miami handed Howard. However, when you have the worst running game in the league, money to burn, and have a chance to land a proven power back with a good amount of tread left on the tires, you make the move and pair him with a speed back. Howard has more wiggle than most realize and deceptive speed, and his value to the Dolphins will come as a red zone back to hammer defenses in the second halves of humid Miami afternoons.
No comments:
Post a Comment