When healthy, Arian Foster provides a quick, one-cut rushing attack that can devastate defenses. Unfortunately, Foster hasn't stayed healthy in years.
After signing with the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Foster hinted at what his biggest role would be in coach Adam Gase's offense.
"I think Adam really knows how to use running backs out of the backfield, which I feel like is my best quality -- route running and catching the ball out of the backfield," Foster said, via the Miami Herald. "I think he knows how to steer the ship. I'm just happy to be a part (and) have a seat on the boat now."
Turning 30 years old next month, Foster's days of carrying the load are likely over. Even if he remains healthy, the Dolphins will want him sharing carries and focusing on catching the ball out of the backfield.
Expect Jay Ajayi to remain the starter and earn the bulk of the between-the-tackle totes. Foster should take over the primary pass-catching role out of the backfield ahead of rookie Kenyan Drake.
Foster boasts supreme route-running skills and can still beat linebackers in one-on-one situations. He should quickly become Ryan Tannehill's security blanket out of the backfield. Foster compiled 249 receptions for 2,268 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns in his seven years in Houston.
Gase has used tailback rotations heavily in the past, so the backfield will certainly be shared between Ajayi and Foster, with Drake earning more time as the season progresses.
The Dolphins' new coach also likes to utilize his backs in the passing game. Last season in Chicago, Matt Forte and Jeremy Langford combined on 66 receptions for 668 yards and four touchdowns. In 2014, C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball compiled 64 catches for 525 yards and three scores. In 2013 (Gase's first year as coordinator), Knowshon Moreno, Ball and Hillman went for a combined 92 receptions for 812 yards and three touchdowns. Moreno alone had a split of 60/548/3 in Gase's first season.
