OL will be the most interesting developments in these camps. We now have enough talent to actually field a decent OL, it just has to happen...
I could not be more pleased that our Oline finally got the attention it so desparately needed. I really feel like this group is going to shape up to be a very serviceable unit for the run and pass attack for years to come. We neglected it for years but now that we are done with the retread QBs, we need stability to help develop our young Qbs and control the clock with the run game. I'm glad somebody finally got it right.
Yeaay and Amen Georgia Fin, it was high time we really addressed the OL. Everything starts there and works its way through the rest of the offense. You can't run without the OL, you can't pass, you can't do squat unless the OL gives it to you.
I found this part interesting: 13 games in 4 years sounds like a huge barrier for Ricky Williams at first glance, however if we compare that to what Marcus Allen did when he ended up in KC, we see a different story: 1996 Kansas City Chiefs 16 15 206 830 4.0 35 9 27 270 10.0 59 0 2 0 1995 Kansas City Chiefs 16 15 207 890 4.3 38 5 27 210 7.8 20 0 2 1 1994 Kansas City Chiefs 13 13 189 709 3.8 36T 7 42 349 8.3 38 0 3 2 1993 Kansas City Chiefs 16 10 206 764 3.7 39 12 34 238 7.0 18T 3 4 3 1992 Los Angeles Raiders 16 0 67 301 4.5 21 2 28 277 9.9 40 1 1 0 1991 Los Angeles Raiders 8 2 63 287 4.6 26 2 15 131 8.7 25 0 1 0 1990 Los Angeles 16 -- 179 682 3.8 28 12 15 189 12.6 30 1 -- -- 1989 Los Angeles Raiders 8 -- 69 293 In Allen's last four years with the Raiders, he started 2 games, and in those years he had roughly 370 carries in 4 years, or less then 100 carries per yer on average, he also missed time with a knee injury in 1989. http://www.nfl.com/players/marcusallen/profile?id=ALL598765 Ricky does not have the same number of carries as Allen had over that same period of time, but he also never had that catastrophic knee injury either. If we then look at Allen in KC and well past 30, he still was a very productive running back, so even if Ricky is 31, he could be quite productive for us this year and for the next few years especially in light of the fact that he never had the ACL injury, our Oline promises to be better, and he won't be the sole focus of the offense, that 13 games in 4 years may not be the detriment that some are (including myself at one time) make it out to be. Plus I'd much rather have Ricky splitting carries with Ronnie then Jesse Hands of Stone Chatman, at the very least, even without the speed that some may think he has lost, he can catch passes out of the backfield. *Edited to add: When Allen went to KC, he had around the same number of carries as RW, right around 2,100 or so, the remaining 900 carries were quite productive in KC he averaged 11 td's per season, higher average overall then his time in Oak.
I guess I am one of the few who dont think Ricky will be lacking at anything. IF he stays healthy, he will be the difference. I think Ricky is a more TOTAL RB than Ronnie. That is not a slap at RB, I just think Ricky was blessed with more total skills. What a waste of talent this man has had. I really think he could have been on of the best of all time, if he had his head on straight, and had even a decent OL. I also dont think he will have 'lost a step.' I think you lose that step by getting it pounded out of you, and since he hasnt been playing, I dont think it will be a problem. All I can do is HOPE........ he means it this time. This is another example of DOLPHINS homerism. If he were on ANY OTHER TEAM, he would be a bum.
I agree with your post more then I'd like to, Ricky's ability has never been in question, if he doesn't pop a hamstring in TC or OTA's, he should start the season in top shape with the best line he has ever had in Miami, add in Ronnie's comeback and RW could have a monster start to the season for us despite being 31. I think Ronnie is more of a Total rb then RW though, Ronnie blocks better and to me does the little things better as well, like knowing where the first down marker is, or knowing when he has to move the pile to pick up that extra yard to reach the first down marker. RW is a better home run hitter though, when healthy he can take it to the house on any carry.
Padre, this Ricky Ronnie debate is a good one, and neither one are bums. It is also to close to lose sleep over. I see your point, but.........................I have to say, I am a fan of the 'FOOTBALL PLAYER' in both of them. Everything I read on Ronnie, the man, is nice to see. What a great person. If Ricky didnt have his history, it would be running backs 1a and 1b. With the potential in our NEW oline, either one should light it up, when healthy. There is so many reasons to see that light at the end of the tunnel, right now. We are getting there, I think.
Exactly, if Jake Long is as advertised, and our Oline gels, all we will need a Qb that can take advantage of the 8 men in the box defenses we will be seeing, and that is where Ted Ginn can have a huge impact this season if he is up to it that is. I would bet even McCown can have a big season for us in such a offense, throw maybe 22 passes a game, know when to audible, and let R&R carry the load on offense.
Its great to read a report without a reference to the JT situation.I am saturated with that I and will avoid any threads about it until there is some hard news.
Neither Ronnie or Ricky have big egos so I think the two back system could work in this case. Having said that I cant but help think that one will come to the forefront. Chances are that one may get injured anyway so the survivor will get most of the carries
Hey Crunch don't you think RW will get most of the carries for the first 3-4 games since Ronnie is coming back from his knee injurey?
I'm seriously hoping that Ricky comes back like a the Ricky Williams of old and that takes the pressure off of Ronnie Brown to try and comeback too soon from his injury this season. Ronnie is our future at Rb, even if RW plays great.
I think thats a good guess.If Ricky is doing well maybe even longer .Strange things happen that no one can anticipate during a season .
