The Miami Dolphins spent the offseason trying to decide on a starting quarterback. It appears they have managed to do the same with their running back.
The Dolphins have listed running back Kenyan Drake as the starter going into the 2019 NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, via ESPN's Cameron Wolfe:
Dolphins Week 1 depth chart sports a 3-4 base defense. Two starters — LT Julien Davenport & DE John Jenkins — weren’t here last week.
Other notes:
Kenyan Drake RB1
Position changes: OLB Charles Harris, NT Davon Godchaux
Starting WRs: Albert Wilson, DeVante Parker, Jakeem Grant pic.twitter.com/7nnYsWhB8J— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 4, 2019
The fact that Drake has been listed s the Week 1 starter should come as no surprise. He has long been on the cusp of taking that next step into a workhorse role in the backfield. He is hoping to make it come to fruition this season.
Many felt the 2018 campaign would be a potential breakout year for Drake. Instead, he found himself playing second fiddle to running back Frank Gore in the backfield. Although Gore has proven capable of defeating Father Time, it was still hardly an ideal situation for Drake as he finished the season with 534 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Fortunately, he did manage to alleviate the decrease in carries by hauling in 53 receptions for 477 yards and five touchdowns through the air.
He will face similar competition once again competing with fellow running back Kalen Ballage for touches. Like Drake, Ballage boasts a versatile skill set as both a runner and a receiver. The Dolphins will be looking to get some bang for their buck from this budding 1-2 option.
While Drake may have a tough time navigating through a formidable Ravens defense in the season opener, head coach Brian Flores has already indicated that he will see a healthy dosage of touches.
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