That's a big issue, but it's not the only thing he needs to improve. I think he needs to learn how to read his blockers in order to become a more consistent runner. After Harvin was traded, that was the perfect opportunity for Michael to integrate himself into the offense. That did not happen, in part, because Michael failed to show that he could be a consistent threat as a runner/receiver out of the backfield.
Against St. Louis, a few days after the Harvin trade, Marshawn was struggling, and yet Michael received just two carries for five yards. In addition, there were numerous opportunities to feature Michael more when Lynch was on the sideline due to back and stomach ailments throughout the season. Instead, Turbin received those carries.
Pass blocking is also a bigger reason for Michael's lack of playing time than his inability to switch hands with the football. If he were a better pass blocker, then he could be getting reps ahead of Turbin on 3rd downs. They also might have been able to explore giving him more opportunities as a receiving weapon on 3rd downs with the set of plays they had previously carved out for Harvin.
Maybe he could have seen time on the field as a punt returner, which we badly needed last season. He seems to have the quick twitch instincts to thrive in such a role, but unfortunately he lacks experience and a willingness to learn the position. In fact, he failed to earn playing time on any special teams unit.
Ball security is what I think ultimately doomed him to a reserve role last season. There are countless examples of players who have entered Carroll's dog house after dropping the ball. It took several games for Carroll to forget about those two fumbles Michael had in the preseason. Then Michael drops the ball again toward the end of the season; at that point, there was no way was he going to be permitted to touch the ball going forward in the playoffs.
Michael is far from a lost cause, going into his 3rd year, but he it is undeniable that there are many aspects of his game in serious need of improvement.