Clay & Thomas Answer The Call For Dolphins
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A few weeks ago, Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas looked like he was done for the season with an injury. Sunday, Thomas helped save the Dolphins season.
The former second-round draft pick rushed 16 times for a game-high 105 yards and one touchdown to lead the Dolphins' running attack. Thomas was called upon to have a bigger role against Pittsburgh after starter Lamar Miller went down with a concussion.
The 100-yard performance represents almost one-third of Thomas' total rushing yards gained this season (384). Thomas barely played against Tampa Bay and Carolina, carrying the ball a combined 7 times for 6 yards in those two games, both losses.
Thomas carried the ball 10 times for 57 yards in a win against the San Diego Chargers two weeks ago and then led the Fins on Sunday against Pittsburgh.
But Thomas wasn't alone in heroics on Sunday. Tight end Charles Clay caught seven passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns, including what turned out to be the game winner. Clay caught a short pass from quarterback Ryan Tannehill and shook off two tackles to get into the end zone.
Clay's snaps increased this season when Dustin Keller went down with a knee injury. Clay has responded by catching 60 passes for 679 yards and six touchdowns. Clay has caught 14 passes for 177 yards in the past two weeks.
When teams hit the playoff run, sometimes it needs players who no one was counting on to step up and respond. Sunday, Thomas and Clay answered the bell and the Dolphins are now just a few victories away from getting into the playoffs.
