ESPN - Don't bank on Ricky Williams just yet - AFC East Essentially, he rebuts Sparano's assertion that the position of RB is 'solved' for the Dolphins. Some valid points, but overall he takes too negative a stance on Williams' ability level (questioning his body and his speed, beither of which show any evidence of being a problem) and Ronnie's durability (certainly a concern, but less of one now that he'll be platooning with Williams).
Ricky has been outstanding in TC and PS, but I think there is alot of opportunity for a running back in Miami. If I'm Jalen Parmele, I am thinking I might be able to be the man in Miami for the exact reason's he stated. Ricky has the ability to play great. As a fan, I can only trust him one game at a time. If hes great this week, great. If he's still with us and committed next week, great. I can't think long-term with Ricky. Ronnie is outstanding (when healthy). The problem is, he always seems to be banged up. I am hoping that limiting him to about 15 carries a game will keep him healthy all year. But I don't think Ronnie is a back that we can ever count on to carry the load for 350+ carries a season. He's not that kind of back and has never been that kind of back. And thats really not a criticism of Brown. Its just the way it is. At Auburn, he sat behind Rudi Johnson and split time with Carnell Williams. We just need to make sure Ronnie is always in a platoon situation.
Like most articles that seek to make a point, some things tend to get ignored or glossed over. Isn't it safe to say that every player in the NFL is expecting to be paid? Bringing up Edgerrin James is questionable. James has always weighed significantly less than Ricky. In addition he states that "his blockers consist of 2 rookies and a second year center". But aren't there FIVE guys on the OL? Carey and Smiley ought to be included. Again it's a weak stance because he picks and chooses facts to suit the tone of the article. As to "solved or not". Seems to me that the position is as solved as any position on any team can be at this time of year.
Ricky is a long shot. It might work out, but there also might be too much rust on those wheels. I would at least expect him to take a few weeks to get going. We shall see Sunday. BZ
I read this article yesterday and I was scratching my head the entire time I read it. The only validity to the entire article is the potential for injury for both RW and RB. But that's pretty obvious - and can be said about any running back in the league considering the hits they take throughout a game and an entire season. You could insert any running back's name into that article and it would have fit. Bogus article from a bored writer who just wanted to lash out at RW one more time. And to state the obvious about Ronnie, who we all know has yet to complete a 16 game season. With these two platooning, we should feel much more comfortable than with only one of them - OBVIOUSLY. But with similar running styles (smash mouth) the potential for injury is a little higher. But the potential for wearing down a defense is much higher too. On top of that, not only are both brusiers, but both have the capability to take it to the house on any given play.
I would call that wishful thinking on your part. Ricky's probably more ready to play than anyone else on this team, judging from comments by team mates, how he's practiced, and how he's played throughout pre-season. My bet is you WILL see Sunday....and YOU will not like what you see.
The definition of wishful thinking is hoping a 30+ year old running back who has been suspended multiple times, quit on the team and hasn't played a full game in over 2 years is going to come back and be a dominating force on week one. Sure, it could happen, but it isn't likely or probable. BZ
Ricky has been stated time and time again as the "best football player on the field" during the preseason. I'd say he's ready. I agree completely that this article could have been about almost any RB and RB Tandem in the league. IMO, when its all said and done the R & R express will be the most potent RB tandem in the league this year.
THe definition of wishfull thinking is hoping a dominating RB that looks to be back in form will just flop on opening day and not run through Wets defense. Sure, it could happen, but isn't likely or probable.
I think at this point, it's pretty clear nobody should ever "bank" on Ricky Williams. He as likely to give you a 100yd performance as get caught taking another bong hit. The difference is this team isn't built around him, so if he does get another suspension, I won't care.
Sounds like blatant honesty to me. He didn't say anything about Ricky that wasn't true, or Ronnie for that matter. If Ricky wants respect he's gonna have to earn it, along with that carrot. Very cerebral article. BOTH of them need to stay hungry. I love Ronnie and the big smile and he seems much more poised and intelligent this year. But they'll have to prove they can be a big combo this year for the league to believe it.
What "dominating RB" are you talking about? You mean the one from 2003? Seriously? 5 years ago and he is still a dominating RB? Ricky Williams - Miami Dolphins - Career Statistics - NFL - Yahoo! Sports Please put down the Homer Idol and think seriously about a guy who hasn't rushed for over 1,000 yards in 4 years. Hasn't play a full game in over 2 years and got hurt both of those years. Was he dominating in 2002/2003? You bet. Is he still that guy? Doubtful. That is not wishful thinking, that is logical thinking. BZ
From my observations and knowing the talent Ricky possesses when properly motivated, I'd still bet on the yoga practcing supremely in shape running back with the 28 year old's wear and tear and the 31 year old's experience, both in football and in life....Because we both know life is a big motivator and it swells the heart on game day...Put Ricky's talent with that heart and you have a dangerous player who very well could be one of those special players who doesn't miss a step. If anybody could, Ricky could. I think it's reasonably likely . We will see. Good luck!
Why does everyone forget that in 2005, Ricky rushed for 750 yds, 6 TDs with an avg of 4.4 ypc ? We're talking about an athlete that, if he decided to stick with wrestling, he'd be a national champion and olympian. baseball..he'd be in the mlb. and with football, he doesn't have that eddie george type wear and tear, and despite this columnists awful boxing analogy which is totally inaccurate, the guy is injury free and fresh. he is simply that remarkable of an athlete. i'm not surprised one bit that ricky dominated in training camp and pre-season. if the line continues to gel, and he remains injury free, he will have a nice year.
O.K. Logical thinking. The Miami Dolphins are built to run the football. This is a punishing run blocking like that will open holes up for the RB's. Ricky is a talented football player with tremendous athletic ability, vision, and a punishing running style that still has the speed to break it outside. He has stated he is in the best shape of his life, and all reports from the players, coaches, reporters, and just as important, the people on this board who have attending practice, has been extremely impressive so far. He has turned things around, is dedicated to playing football and putting 100% effort in being the best he can be. This Ricky Williams is going to be very impressive this year.
I am not a RW's fan for any reason other than he is a Dolphin. I don't trust him and I'm not sure that he won't start showing signs of decline next year or even this year if he were asked to carry the full load. However, I have no doubt that he could be a dominant back early in the season even if he were carrying the full load. Reality is that he's in shape and he's healthy. His speed and instincts are there. Jets' fans can point to his age and hope but it won't be a factor in this game.
I tend to think he can be a dominating force for one week. The issue is can he do it for a season? Either one missing a game here or there will not impact the team much. I believe if both are generally healthy then with this line built to create a running game will make the Dolphins at least above average in that regard.
And yet Brett Farve is going to step into a new offense and be amazing? I think thats more wishful thinking then Ricky being productive Week 1.
Because he is a running back and that was 3 YEARS AGO! Running backs are wine and get better with time. BZ
You clearly havent watched him play much this pre season against the Starting defenses of TB, Jax, KC, etc. He's looking really good so far and He'll get 100 on the Jets if he's the primary RB as expected.
I think so too. I can see him getting close to a buck fifty. I believe the Jets are being overhyped because of the Favre signing; period. Gholston isn't impressing yet. Pace still needs to prove he can make that transition of responsibility from 4-3 to 3-4. From what I've seen Ricky is already looking like he's in mid season form. TO be honest, if he's still shaking rust off, then opposing defenses ought to be getting worried.!!! If this is the case he'll be a beast come mid season.
I don't know if Ricky gets 150yds. They will give Ronnie some carries and such, but he does have the capability to break the big one and 150 is not out of reach for him. I can also see him sprinkle in a touchdown or two in that yardage.
Admittidly, I didn't read the article but in general terms, It could go either way. If you go by the facts, the facts show you that as soon as you think Ricky's "turned a corner" something will happen and the "turning of the corner" will turn into "taking a step backward" . I'm sure he's in excellent shape but in terms of ability and durability, well I'm no fortune teller, so I'll take the wait and see attitude. I wouldn't base any opinion on a few preseason games. As far as the Jets game, the stars do seem to align toward a Ricky Williams showcase on Sunday but that could very well be the homer in me and my gut feeling talking.
Ricky is 31 years old and one of the things that every fan of the game continues to point out is the wear and tear on RB's at that age. Your right, it has been 3 years since he had the 743 yard season. And since that time, he's had 6 carries. 6. 6 carries in three years. I'm not trying to be ignorant or anything negative towards you because I respect your opinion especially in the AFC East forum but put aside the hatred for the guy and look at it from a overall NFL fans view. Due to Ricky Williams struggles in previous years, Ricky has not had carried the ball as much as others backs have. Look at LaDainian Tomlinson, I'm pretty sure we all agree here that he's a top flight back in this league. He's 29 years old (2 years younger than RW) and has 602 more carries than Williams. Why doesn't anyone say anything about Tomlinson? If he was a Dolphin right now, I guarantee you that this would be constantly brought up. My next question is, have you watched this man play this pre-season or are you making these comments based off of hatred or disliking of any kind? I ask because if you watched Ricky Williams this off-season and pre-season, you saw a guy that still has a few years left in him because of the ample time he got off. You saw a guy that ran hard, broke tackles, showed great vision and was once again a physical specimen. As the great poster Rafael said earlier in this thread, you can point to his age and hope but it won't be a factor in this game. What will be is Ricky Williams' abilities. As for the article itself, I wonder how many times the "worldwide leader in sports" can write an article on one topic. We know what he's done bad, you don't have to write an article on it every couple months. We got it... the 457th time.
Why is it so hard for you to give a 31 year old Ricky Williams credit when you have a 30 year old Thomas Jones starting for the Jets?
And that same 30 year old Thomas Jones has 104 less carries than Ricky Williams. So much more wear and tear on RW than TJ. :sarcasm:
First I think Ricky is more than capable fo getting 150 by himself because we know he can turn the corner where most RB's can't. I would expect if Ronnie gets 12-15 carries and Ricky gets 15-20 carries, sprinkle in 10-20 yards from Pennington see a team rushing total of 150