Since trading Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Miami Dolphins have noticed a game-changing mentality in second-year running back, Kenyan Drake.
After getting his first career 100-yard rushing performance in the National Football League a week ago versus Denver, he returned on Monday Night Football with a season-high 25 carries against New England.
The former University of Alabama standout and third-round pick led Miami in both rushing and receiving versus the Patriots – totaling 114 yards on the ground while catching five passes from quarterback Jay Cutler for 79 yards in the Dolphins’ 27-20 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
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It was Drake’s first-ever back-to-back 100-yard outing, following his 120 yards versus the Broncos in a 35-7 win for Miami. He had four rushes that went for first downs, including a pair of plays that came in excess of 20 yards.
Along with nearly averaging five yards a carry – 4.6 average – Drake brought in two catches for first downs, with one being a 47-yard grab from Cutler.
His versatility helped the Dolphins outgain the Patriots, 362-248.
Also, Drake’s efforts from scrimmage led to Miami running more plays (72) and having a better yard per play average (5.2) than New England. At Alabama, he was known for his quick feet in the hole and big play capabilities in space.
Even in sharing a backfield with T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry, the native Georgian still had success – accounting for 1,495 rushing yards, 570 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns (18 rushing, four receiving) on 279 career touches.
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Where Crimson Tide fans are concerned, he will be forever remembered in returning a kickoff versus Clemson for a 95-yard touchdown in the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship Game (2015 season).
Alabama went on to capture a national title with a 45-40 win, and Drake would get selected in the third-round of the 2016 NFL Draft to Miami.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
