MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Jets running backs coach Taylor Embree knows the numbers don’t look good, but he is confident the team’s rushing attack is close to having a big game.
“When you go to the outside zone [scheme], it takes time,” Embree said. “That’s everyone — ball carriers, blockers. I think we’ve done some good stuff. It’s starting to come alive. You can feel it in practice. We’ve been one or two blocks away on a few plays with the backs just trusting it, hitting it. I think it’s starting to come together.
“Hopefully, we see it this week. When it comes alive, you’re going to feel it.”
The Jets enter Sunday’s game with the Dolphins 30th in rushing yards in the NFL and dead last in rushing touchdowns.
They have scored just four rushing touchdowns all season, and one was by a wide receiver — Xavier Gipson last week.
Embree spoke to The Post this week about the backs in his room and what he sees.
The top back in the room is Breece Hall, who has been extremely frustrated after most games this year.
Though Hall had a big receiving game last week, he has not rushed for 100 yards in a game since Week 5.
“Breece gets frustrated because he wants to win,” Embree said. “He gets frustrated because he wants to be great. It ain’t a selfish frustration. I think we just toned it down. We said, ‘Hey, what’s our goal this week?’ Let’s focus on that. Continue to get better as a runner, which he has. He’s still young. He’s still learning what it is to run in this league and he’s starting to feel it.
“All it’s going to take is one big game to get everything going again.”
The Jets signed veteran Dalvin Cook to a $7 million contract in August, but he barely plays.
Cook has just 66 rushes for 210 yards this season.
Cook has not complained but is clearly frustrated by his lack of touches.
“He understands what it is,” Embree said. “Breece is a young guy who is really starting to come into his prime. I’ll say this, Dalvin’s work ethic shows up in practice. The plays he has on the field, he runs hard. It’s one of those deals where if we continue to move the ball and have first downs, there are more plays, there are more opportunities for him.”
Rookie Israel Abanikanda has gotten just four carries all season.
The coaches have said he needs to improve in pass protection to get on the field.
“He’s been in there for a few snaps, but he’s behind two guys that are proven vets,” Embree said. “I’m trying to get Dalvin touches. You can never get Breece enough touches. You never know how it’s going to hit. Just like with Bam [Knight] last year, all of a sudden, your number’s up.
“I think he’s going to be ready to roll when he goes. He’s been working his butt off, studying the protections, getting reps in practice. When it’s his time, he’ll roll.”
The Jets signed OL Xavier Newman to the active roster Saturday.
They also elevated DL Jalyn Holmes and LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball from the practice squad.
The team placed rookie LB Zaire Barnes (hamstring) on injured reserve, ending his season.