Ryan Tannehill Impressed With Lamar Miller’s Pass Blocking

Miami Dolphins second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill has an offense that looks a whole lot different, and it’s for the better given the new pass-catchers around him. Mike Wallace is one of the best deep threats in the game, Brandon Gibson is an interesting No. 3 receiver, and Dustin Keller was Mark Sanchez‘s only reliable target. A new running back is taking the Dolphins role as a feature back next season, and the organization couldn’t seem higher on another second-year player in the backfield in Lamar Miller, who looked great in limited carries last season. Miller has a world of potential, and he’s looked as good as advertised thus far this offseason. The Dolphins are hoping that they won’t miss Reggie Bush‘s playmaking ability, and, for what it’s worth, LaDainian Tomlinson thinks Miller is even more explosive than Bush.

But what impresses Tannehill the most about Miller is his improved pass protection, which is something the Dolphins organization has also been quick praise. Tannehill told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald,  ”he’s picking up pass protections a lot better. Now that he’s got that, he’s going to be a great player.”

Pass protection is something that gets overlooked at the running back position, especially with backs who are better known for other qualities. Three examples that come to mind are feature backs Fred Jackson, Frank Gore, and Ahmad Bradshaw, who aren’t as widely recognized as being elite pass blockers since they are just such great rushers (and receivers) overall. I wonder if Miller is in-line to be that kind of an all-around feature back for the Dolphins, and the team does seem to talk him up like that.

It’s no secret that Miller is a potential breakout star in 2013, and those who watched him coming out of college at Miami know that Miller has the ability to be a great running back in this league. It’s a good thing the New England Patriots have one of the best run defenses in the NFL.


(musketfire.com)