As a huge fan of both the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes I was thrilled to see Lamar Miller get drafted by the Dolphins in the 2012 NFL Draft. While the Dolphins are already very stout at running back with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, it was Bush who really had a breakout year last season, gaining more than 1,000 yards on the ground for the first time in his career. Bush enters the 2012 season in his last year of a two year contract with the Fins which begs the question, will he be pushed for an even bigger year with the addition of Miller to the roster?
Philbin Speaks Out
As far as any controversy is concerned, head coach Joe Philbin quickly put out those fires. According to CBS.Sportsline.com he stated that Miller will primarily run back kicks this season and might expand to more receiving duties as time passes. As for Bush, the Miami Herald reports Philbin saying that he plans on expanding the role of the running back in 2012. Still, a lot of this will depend on Bush playing well and staying healthy.
Injured Often
In a little less than a year Reggie Bush was injured twice. Once while still playing for the New Orleans Saints where he broke his leg and then again last season with the Fins injuring his knee. The knee injury last season cost him the last game of the year and also showed that he might be susceptible to injury. Even though Bush is only 27 years old he is entering his seventh full season in the NFL, which can prematurely age even the toughest of players.
More Motivation
Bush did a lot last season for the Fins and proved he can be a versatile back in the NFL. If anything, I think Miller will simply give Bush more motivation to succeed. Because Bush is entering his last year of his contract he really has to put up some big numbers as his next contract could be his last in the NFL, whether he signs with the Dolphins or ends up going elsewhere.
When it all gets put together I think Bush's last season breakout will look silly compared to the numbers he puts up this season as long as he stays healthy. So, while Lamar Miller may very well be the future of the Miami Dolphins' backfield, this season is Bush's for the taking and, as a true Dolfan, I intend to enjoy every minute of it.
Jimmy Collins has been a loyal "Dolfan" and fan of the NFL since he was six years old when he met Dan Marino and several other Miami Dolphins players. Still a resident of South Florida, he attends numerous Miami Dolphins games each season and enjoys writing about the NFL and the Miami Dolphins in particular.
More from this contributor:
Why This Miami Dolphins Fan Can't Wait for "Miller Time" in 2012
This Miami Dolphins Fan Wants to See the Team Beat Tim Tebow Twice in 2012
Miami Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill Will Hopefully Be like Tim Tebow: A Fan's Perspective
