5 reasons the Dolphins can make the playoffs with Jay Cutler

3. Jay Cutler can lean heavily on a strong running game

Similar to what RB Matt Forte was for Jay Cutler in Chicago, RB Jay Ajayi can be exactly the same for him in Miami.

The Dolphins were one of the best rushing teams in 2016 and they should look to continue that team this upcoming season as well. A year ago, it was very balanced offense that featured 405 running plays in 912 total plays total. A majority of those rushes came on the backs of Ajayi, who rushed for 1,272 yards on 260 carries. He also ended up in the end zone eight times last season.

It was huge for Ryan Tannehill, who was able to develop a lot of their offense off of play action, with Ajayi rushing for huge gains on first down.

Cutler should be able to follow a similar formula next season with Gase and Ajayi. I’m sure it’ll be a run-first offense that will look to wear down defenses. In the process, it’ll allow Cutler to become more comfortable as the season goes along.

This could mean that Cutler will have a high completion percentage on short throws, letting his receivers make plays on play action. It will also keep the ex-Bears’ QB from throwing bad interceptions and keeping the MIA offense on the field.