The 2016 NFL off-season was historic. The league saw some of the best to ever strap on the pads walk away from the game. Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Calvin Johnson, and Marshawn Lynch are all gone.
One notable veteran transaction that occurred over free agency was the team swap so to speak of running backs Arian Foster and Lamar Miller. Both, without a trade, signed with each other’s former club in free agency. Foster signed a one-year, “show me something” contract with the Miami Dolphins, while Miller signed a long-term deal for the Houston Texans.
Now, the real question, who will have a better season: the injury-plagued Foster or the underutilized Miller?
Here is what to expect from Foster and Miller’s performance this season.
Arian Foster, Lamar Miller Performance Prediction
Arian Foster, running back, Miami Dolphins
Throughout his career, Foster has been an underdog. The former Tennessee alumnus went undrafted in 2009. Houston later signed Foster, but released him and re-signed him to the practice squad.
The 6-foot-1, 227-pound running back moved his way up onto the active roster. Ironically, he went on to score his first NFL touchdown against the Dolphins in late December on a 17-yard scamper up the middle. His performance at the end of the 2009 season helped his chances to land a roster spot in the following year.
In 2010, Foster moved to starter after an injury sidelined running back Steve Slaton. To say the least, he took advantage of the opportunity. Foster went on to lead the league in rushing with 1,616 yards while adding 16 touchdowns. His career continued to propel, landing four Pro Bowl honors (2010-2012 and 2015).
However, the first-team All-Pro’s began to experience setbacks. The older he got, the more injuries he sustained. From 2010 to 2015 he only played two full seasons without missing a game. He suffered a herniated disc, pulled hamstring and groin, and tore his Achilles.
When healthy, Foster is a menace in the backfield with his exceptional ball carrier vision, size, speed, and playmaking ability. At 29, the eight-year pro will be relegated to second string behind bruising back Jay Ajayi, which will benefit him. As a possible third-down back Foster will get more plays off allowing him to be fresh on important downs.
Expect Foster to garner touchdowns on long runs. In his career, he averages over 4.5 yards per carry and has broken off 20-plus yard gains forty times.
Lamar Miller, running back, Miami Dolphins
After four years in Miami, Miller doesn’t have much to show for it. In his rookie season, he took a back seat to Reggie Bush. The following year, he split carries with Daniel Thomas. In 2014, Miami went out and brought in Knowshon Moreno, who was coming off a 1,000-yard-plus season with 10 touchdowns.
After three games, Moreno went down with injury, opening an opportunity for Miller. The 5-foot-10, 225-pound back seized the moment and garnered 1,099 yards with eight touchdowns.
Unfortunately, after a great showcase year for Miller he was misused last season. In seven of 16 games, Miller attempted less than 12 rushing attempts, averaging below 22-yards per game (YPG) with one touchdown. However, in games where he saw more than 12 rushes he averaged over 80 YPG with seven rushing touchdowns.
Now featured as the main star in Houston’s backfield, Miller will shine. The four-year rusher is an elusive running back, who can catch out of the backfield. Last season, he had 47 receptions for 397 yards and two touchdowns.
With defenses keyed in on stopping sensation wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Miller will create havoc up the middle. If he continues to run like he did against the New York Giants last year, he is due for over 1,200 yards rushing.
Final Prediction
Overall, expect Miller to have an outstanding statistical season with many rushes, catches, and scores. Although Miller will have the best year on paper, Foster will play just as vital of a role for the Dolphins. He is going to make big plays to move the sticks and finish plays to end drives in scores.
