The Miami Dolphins saw the debut of their major free-agent pickup at running back Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys.
Knowshon Moreno, formerly the Denver Broncos' leading rusher, played in his first game with the Dolphins and led all rushers with 64 yards on 10 carries. Moreno is coming off knee surgery this summer and is trying to round into form before the regular season. There is some momentum in South Florida now to make Moreno the full-time starter over incumbent Lamar Miller.
With that said, ESPN.com’s Dolphins page reviewed the film of all 10 of Moreno's carries Saturday. Here is how Moreno graded on tape:
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Carry No. 1: First quarter at the 8:34 mark
Analysis: On first-and-10, Moreno gets his first carry as a Dolphin and explodes up the right side for 19 yards. It was an impressive combination of vision and patience to see the opening. Rookie right tackle Ja'Wuan James and tight end Charles Clay both had good blocks on this run.
Grade: +3
Carry No. 2: First quarter at the 7:56 mark
Analysis: Moreno carries the ball up the right side again. But right guard Shelley Smith misses his block, James fails to get any push, and Moreno is tackled in the backfield for minus-2 yards.
Grade: -1
Carry No. 3: First quarter at the 7:21 mark
Analysis: Moreno gets his third consecutive carry as Miami’s coaching staff appears to be making up for lost time. This time Moreno runs up the middle, but cuts left to the opening behind left tackle Branden Albert. He goes about two yards untouched but finishes strong by lowering his shoulder and picks up four yards.
Grade: +1
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