Jay Ajayi Becomes 1st RB Since 2002 to Record Consecutive 200-Yard Rushing Games

Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi joined elite company Sunday after running for 214 yards and a touchdown in a 28-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills.

According to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, only three other running backs in NFL history—O.J. Simpson, Ricky Williams and Earl Campbell—have run for 200-plus yards in consecutive weeks. Ajayi had 204 yards and two touchdowns on the ground in a Week 6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ESPN Stats & Info noted how impressive his last two games have been, given the output of his first 13 games: 

Ajayi had nine runs of 10 or more yards, which is the third-highest total since 1960, per Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. 

Ajayi reacted to his performance on Twitter after the game:

After the Dolphins signed Arian Foster during the offseason, no one foresaw Ajayi breaking out like he has over the past two weeks. He's rewarding fantasy football owners who stuck with him after he ran for only 117 yards and two touchdowns through his first four games.

Bleacher Report's Matt Miller is a fan of Ajayi's running style:

The 23-year-old showed off that physicality on a 53-yard run at the 11:32 mark of the fourth quarter Sunday. The NFL shared a replay of his impressive run:

Ajayi won't continue running for 200-plus yards every game, but his sudden breakout isn't a fluke. Heading into Week 7, the Dolphins ranked seventh in run blocking, per Football Outsiders, and Miami is likely to rely heavily on its running game, as quarterback Ryan Tannehill continues to underwhelm.

Since Williams' sudden retirement in 2003, the running game has largely been a problem for the Dolphins. Injuries stunted Ronnie Brown's career following a bright start, and Lamar Miller left for the Houston Texans shortly after finding his footing in Miami.

In Ajayi, the Dolphins may have a backfield star who they can rely upon for the long term.