Dolphins Backfield Taking Shape

June 22, 2009   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

This past weekend was the Miami Dolphins first mandatory mini-camp and there were already some telling signs. Yes, its just camp but at least one player started to solidify his job, One of the major battles in training camp will once again be between Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. This year thou one is well ahead of the other.

The Palm Beach Post reports that Ronnie Brown was one of bright spots on the field. That shouldn’t come as a surprise as he’s in his contract year and when don’t players come out firing in those years? The report says that Brown looked like he was in the best shape of his career, fitter and faster then he ever had been.

That’s good news for Brown, he’s 27 and is in the prime of a running backs career. Edgar Thompson says that he looked “like he should be the team’s featured back, instead of splitting carries again.”

For Ricky, camp was a totally different story. Thompson said that Williams was “mostly invisible” That’s something you never want to hear especially with a player of his caliber. You want to know how bad of a report that is? They only thing mentioned about Ricky was that he was invisible.

It is possible that Ricky is starting to feel the effects of age, he’s 32. We all know running backs can drop off fast after the age of 30. So in honestly he could just be losing that speed he used to possess. Then again, he could be taking it easy till camp begins and the pads are put on.

In all honesty, this mini-camp could of been one of the better things to happen for the Dolphins. Brown is at the age where he should be the featured back. He’s proven before that he could handle the role. In 2006, he gained 1008 yards in only 13 games. Last season he gained 916 yards, averaging 4.3 yards a carry in a part time role.

The kids proven he’s got the speed and the talent to perform as a starter. And you know what with the Wildcat Offense he’s the better option. By in no means should they ditch Ricky, but they shouldn’t go with the 55-45ish split on carries.

It’s time for the Dolphins to feature him more and it needs to start this year. Another season of split carries may convince Ronnie it’s time to walk.

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