Knowshon Moreno didn't sound overly concerned about leaving future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to join the Miami Dolphins and Ryan Tannehill.
"Every quarterback was in their third year at one time," Moreno said on a Friday night conference call. "I'm going to come in, do what I have to do ... learn from (Tannehill), he's been in the system ... and do what I have to do to make sure I'm doing the right thing."
Moreno spoke after the Dolphins made it official that they had signed the former Denver Broncos running back to a one-year deal. The agreement initially was reported and confirmed by FOX Sports Mike Garafolo on Thursday.
"I don't feel pressure because it's a one-year deal to do anything spectacular," Moreno said. "I'm just going to go out and make sure I'm doing the right thing -- working hard and competing."
Moreno, a 1,000-yard rusher for AFC champion Denver last season, likely moves ahead of returnees Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas on Miami's depth chart.
"Knowshon is an experienced, productive, three-down player and adds another multi-threat to our backfield," Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey said in a statement. "He is an accomplished 1,000 yard rusher who also caught 60 passes out of the backfield last season as well. We are excited about the contributions he will make to our offense."
The former University of Georgia star ran for a career-high 1,038 yards (4.3 YPC) and 10 touchdowns last season in a Broncos offense built around Manning's arm. Moreno fumbled once in 241 carries while helping Denver reach the Super Bowl, which it lost to Seattle.
Moreno, who'll turn 27 in July, was asked if being a Super Bowl vet could have a positive effect on his new teammates.
"I guess it will help, by coming in and just working hard and just showing that leadership," said Moreno, who became the first Broncos player in franchise history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season.
Moreno visited the Dolphins last week but left Miami before agreeing to a deal. The 5-11, 220-pounder spent his first five seasons with Denver.
He averaged 2.0 yards after contact, which was tied for 39th -- with Thomas -- among 55 backs, according to Pro Football Focus. Miller was 31st at 2.1.
Pro Football Focus ranked Moreno eighth among all running backs as a pass blocker. Miller was 33rd, and Thomas 34th.
You can follow Charlie McCarthy on Twitter @mccarthy_chas or email him at mac1763@bellsouth.net.
