As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their Sunday game against the Indianapolis Colts, the team’s success could depend on a renewed commitment to hitting the rocks.

With the Colts allowing more rushing yards (931) this season than any team other than the New Orleans Saints (1,027), the Dolphins are hoping their recent success on the ground can help them get back to .500 and find themselves back in the middle of the battle. AFC play-off race.

“That’s just something that has to be a key part for us moving forward,” Dolphins tackle Terron Armstead said this week about the running game. “If we want to win games, we have to have the resources to win, but we also have to win games.”

The Dolphins have shown dominance on the field this season, but consistency has been an issue.

After leading the league in yards per rush in 2023, the team took a step back in early 2024, finishing just 18th in rushing yards through the first five weeks of the season.

With running backs Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright healthy, and the likely return of De’Von Achane (concussion) in Week 7, the Dolphins have a chance to keep their ground game going against a Colts defense that ranks 31st ranks against the run and 19th in yards. per carry (4.6) and six touchdowns allowed.

In Week 5, the Dolphins rushed for 193 yards in their 15-10 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

Week 7 presents a golden opportunity for the Dolphins, especially as they continue to adjust to life without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who remains sidelined for at least one more game before being eligible to return against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9.

Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley will need the support of a strong running game to keep Miami’s offense balanced and relieve pressure in the passing game.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Friday that he knows how important it is to be able to win in multiple ways, and Sunday’s game against the Colts could be a chance for Miami to showcase that versatility.

“You can’t dictate those terms, so you have to be fully equipped to be able to win a game in any way, which always, always in play-off football – always – equates to a run game,” he said .

It’s no secret that the Dolphins’ offensive line will be crucial to their efforts to improve on their current ranking as the 22nd-ranked offense in the NFL.

Despite some early season challenges, the O-line is starting to come together, with standout performances across the board in the win over New England. Pro Football Focus graded all but one Dolphins offensive lineman above 70 in that game, with Armstead leading the way.

“I would say in the National Football League it’s always important to be prepared for your chances, and not worry about your chances,” McDaniel said. “I think we benefited from the consistency on the offensive line.”

Even with injuries plaguing the unit, including the absence of guard Isaiah Wynn, the group appears to be coming together at the right time.

Week 7 saw the Dolphins backfield at full strength.

Mostert, who had a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns in 2023, brings a physical playing style that Armstead says makes him fun to block for.

“He’s physical, he’s violent,” Armstead said. “Defenders know they have to take it with them when they come to tackle him. He’s not the biggest, but he’s insanely strong and always a threat for the home run.”

With Mostert and Wright healthy and Achane potentially added back into the mix, the Dolphins will have a dynamic group that can attack defenses in a variety of ways. And with the Colts struggling to stop the run, Week 7 presents an ideal opportunity to exploit that weakness.

When talking about the running game, Armstead added, “It has to be the foundation of our offense because it opens up everything in the passing game, the other plays and gadget plays that Mike (McDaniel) wants to install. So in order to get the linebackers forward, the safeties and get Tyreek (Hill) and (Jaylen) Waddle behind them, (we) had to run the ball effectively.

For the Dolphins, establishing the run game on Sunday could be the key to not only winning the game, but also setting the tone for the rest of the season as the team looks to make its third straight playoff appearance under McDaniel.