MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (CBS12) — The Miami Dolphins running game had been far from impressive in 2021, with Myles Gaskin as the only bright spot from time to time. Gaskin was coming off being on the COVID-19 inactive list heading into Sunday’s game along with several other Dolphins running backs, so no one practiced more this past week than Duke Johnson. That paid off for Johnson and the Dolphins on Sunday in a 31-24 victory, what was the 6th straight win for the ‘aqua and orange’.
The Miami native, and former Hurricanes star made the very most out of his opportunity, finding synergy with the offensive line, pulling off his first two touchdown NFL game, which included 22 carries for 107 yards, and another reception for 20 yards
“It meant a lot,” said Johnson after the game. “Growing up in the area, just being able to play football and just play well here, it meant a lot but it meant even more because we got the win.”
“He played well. Definitely gave us a spark,” said head coach Brian Flores. “Ran it well. Ran hard. Picked up first down. Picked up tough yardage and in a lot of instances where they knew we were running. I thought the o-line blocked it up well. George (Godsey) called a good game for us, and we were able to execute and thought he definitely gave us a spark.”
The Dolphins get an extra day of preparation this upcoming week, hoping to extend their streak to seven straight wins on Monday Night Football next against the New Orleans Saints.