Solid debut for rookie Lamar Miller

MIAMI GARDENS --— It was perhaps the lone mistake for the rookie making his debut.

When Dolphins running back Lamar Miller missed a blocking assignment in the first half, tackle Jake Long was there to let him know. It led to quarterback Ryan Tannehill taking a shot in the back from Oakland Raiders defensive end Matt Shaughnessy.

The play was the only mishap for Miller, who rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries in his first action.

"Jake just told me to get it the next time," Miller said. "He was just letting me know."

Miller, who played at the University of Miami, was a solid complement to Reggie Bush. Miller was playing in place of the injured Daniel Thomas, who is out with a concussion. The Dolphins learned they can count on their fourth-round draft pick.

"He did a great job out there today in his first real game," Bush said. "I thought he looked good. He did a great job running the ball toward the end of the half and wearing them down, getting first downs."

Miller scored his first career touchdown in the fourth quarter, a 15-yard run that put the Dolphins ahead 35-13. He said the end zone had a familiar feel, with his college team also playing at Sun Life Stadium.

"I was just happy to get my first NFL touchdown," Miller said. "It didn't matter where I got it."


(sun-sentinel.com)