Lamar Miller Q&A: 1,000-yard season tops Miami RB's holiday wish list
Entering the final week of the 2014 regular season, running back Lamar Miller has a chance to accomplish something that no Miami Dolphins player has done in several years.
Miller, a fourth-round pick of the Dolphins in 2012, sits just 79 rushing yards shy of reaching 1,000 for the season, a feat last accomplished in Miami by Reggie Bush in 2011.
As it stands now, Miller's 921 rushing yards places him 13th among NFL running backs, and his impressive 4.7 average yards per carry is good enough for 11th.
Following Miami's Christmas Eve practice, FOXSportsFlorida.com's Jameson Olive caught up with Miller to discuss his breakout year and where a 1000-yard season ranks on his holiday wish list.
FOX SPORTS FLORIDA: In last week's victory over Minnesota, you compiled 150 yards of total offense in one of your best statistical games of the season. What made you so effective in that game?
LAMAR MILLER: To be honest, I just think that the coaches called the plays and (Ryan) Tannehill went through his progressions when he was throwing the ball, and I was open a couple times. Running the ball, I think the offensive line did a good job just doing their assignments, blocking their guys and getting on the right guys. I was just trying to be decisive and hit the holes.
FSF: You've already set new career bests in both rushing yards and touchdowns this season. How would you say you've benefited from offensive coordinator Bill Lazor's new offense?
MILLER: I think it fits me very well. It gives me a lot of opportunities to be in open field and to just try and make plays for this team. I think coach Lazor has been doing a good job of that throughout the whole season. Just calling the right plays and using us to keep the chains moving and put the ball in the end zone.
FSF: Through 15 games this season, you have yet to eclipse 20 carries in a single contest. Do you prefer a lighter workload?
MILLER: Whatever the coaches decide to do, I'm willing to do it. Whether I get the ball 25 times or 5 times, it doesn't matter. Every time I get the ball I'm just trying to make a big play and keep the chains moving.
FSF: As a running back, do you focus more on your average yards per carry or the total number of yards you accumulate throughout the year?
MILLER: I look at both, to be honest. I want to do good in both. I'm just trying to win games.
FSF: Is a 1,000-yard season on top of your Christmas list this year?
MILLER: It's definitely a good Christmas gift. The offensive line has been doing a great job throughout the whole season giving me opportunities to make plays for this team and showcase my talent, so I give the credit to them. I'm just trying to build off it.
FSF: At the beginning of the year, especially after Knowshon Moreno was brought in during the offseason, did you think 1,000 rushing yards possible?
MILLER: Yeah, I've always got confidence. Last year I said 1,500 and I still have the same goal. To have 1,000 yards, it would be great.
FSF: What would you like to see from both yourself and the offense in your Week 17 matchup with the New York Jets?
MILLER: I think whatever coach Lazor calls, we've just got to play fast and physical. Hopefully we come out with a victory so that can transfer over to next year.
FSF: Speaking of next year, do you believe that a strong finish to this season, despite missing the playoffs, will generate momentum heading into 2015?
MILLER: Yeah, that would be progress. Last year was 8-8 and this year, if we get to finish 9-7, it would a great start. Every year we're just trying to get better. Every year we're trying to get to the playoffs and the Super Bowl. I think that'd be a good start, just finishing the season 9-7. Next year, we'll hopefully be in the playoffs.
You can follow Jameson Olive on Twitter @JamesonCoop or email him at JamesonOlive@gmail.com.
