Arian Foster Named Miami Dolphins’ Starting RB

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster (34) runs past Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster (34) runs past Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins running back Arian Foster still got it!

I thought he was done after he tore his Achilles tendon last year while going on 30 at the time. I was looking forward to seeing what 2015 fifth-round  pick Jay Ajayi can do. But you could clearly see the difference between Foster and Ajayi in the third preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Of course, he still has his vision but his burst, elusiveness and power were impressive coming off the injury. The Dolphins raved about Foster from the opening of training camp. But he remained behind Ajayi until it was announced Monday that he is the starter.

The aforementioned traits he showed he still has were enough but weren’t everything. Head coach Adam Gase cited Foster’s edge in experience, consistency and knowledge of the offense as influences behind the decision. So the Seattle Seahawks will get ready for Foster.

He told Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post, “That is the correct spot for him to be in.”

As remarkable as that is for Foster, Ajayi better remain ready to play at any time. Over the past three years, Foster has missed a lot of time because of back, groin and Achilles surgeries. But if he can stay healthy, the Dolphins have another great player on that offense.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will have a known player in the backfield for opposing defenses to watch out for. And off of that, he gets to throw to receivers DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills. The Dolphins have made moves to upgrade the defense this offseason.

It’s going to be up to that defense for the Dolphins to win this year too.