The Facts: Ajayi was a revelation for the Dolphins, finishing fourth in the NFL in rushing yards and seventh in yards per carry. But team officials said this week that they do not see a finished product, by any means. "I think he has just scratched the surface of what he can be," GM Chris Grier said. "I think he'll become more patient at times and stuff. I think part of it too is the offensive line. Guys have to stay healthy. He's adjusting to different guys in (the game) each week, a couple weeks here and stuff. With Jay, the one thing is he wants to be good; he wants to be great."
Diehards Line:Then Grier mentioned something that the NFC champion Falcons have and the Dolphins did not – something that could allow Ajayi to repeat or even surpass his 2016 success. “I think it’s important; look at Atlanta,” Grier said. “Everyone is talking about how the Falcons. ... I think they didn’t have an offensive lineman miss a game all year. They stayed together all year. It just shows you that if you can keep those five guys on the field together, especially our offensive line. ...” Mike Pouncey missed 11 games, Branden Albert four and Laremy Tunsil two. Still, Ajayi (1,272 yards rushing, eight touchdowns) was a major factor in Miami's success. His back-to-back 200-yard games sparked a six-game winning streak. And he proved durable.