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Running back Knowshon Moreno was signed by the Miami Dolphins early this offseason to be their new starting running back. Just a few months into his first season with the team, it’s possible he’s already lost that job.
According to the Miami Herald, the former Denver Broncos running back has been “unimpressive”, showing up to camp out of shape and unfit to handle lead back duties. Head coach Joe Philbin openly mentioned Moreno’s conditioning “could be better”, while the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero noted that Moreno was “a little thick around the belly”.
A player coming in a little out of shape isn’t that abnormal in June, but this isn’t a good omen for a guy who was signed to a one-year deal to help improve one of the league’s more lethargic rushing attacks.
Not only could Moreno’s lack of commitment to staying in elite shape rub his new coaching staff the wrong way, it could also lead to his starting role being handed to someone else.
The first guy up figures to be last year’s main starter, Lamar Miller. Miller garnered a mixed review as Miami’s lead back in just his second season in 2013, struggling early with ball security and blocking assignments. Miller rebounder mid-way through the year and finished with over 700 yards and 26 receptions.
Philbin praised Miller at NFL league meetings back in March, saying, “He can do all three things you want a running back to do.”
That type of versatility along with game-breaking speed and quick cutting ability give Miller a real shot to supplant Moreno. The superior natural talent, Miller will need to improve on his fundamentals and be more decisive on inside runs to complete the leap. How quickly Moreno can get back into elite shape may help decide whether or not that happens, however.
