But here's the thing, in 2002, Ricky had a 4.8 YPC when being fed the ball ALOT to get those 1800 yards on 383 attempts. In 2007 Ronnie had a 5.1 YPC when finally being fed the ball ALOT, but over a shorter span. Both were the focal point of their respective offenses. Both had little other support, and you could easily argue that Ronnie was working with a much weaker supporting cast, particularly the line. So, just because he lead the league, doesn't mean he's the more talented back. Now, granted, Ricky has the better vision and burst, but Ronnie isn't far behind in those categories, and has the same long speed, better power (IMO), receives the ball better and blocks better. So I would honestly put them at a dead heat in their primes. Comparing the two at this point to determine who to keep is flawed as well, as Ronnie is not 100% receovered from the knee, as expected. People conveniently forget that little nuggett (not saying you are; but many are).
I love Ronnie he's probably one of my favorite, if not favorite, players on the team. But he has done nothing to warrant equal status in his prime as Ricky. He hasn't even finished 16 games yet. He was on pace for 2,265 total yards, and a little over 9 TDs. Ricky actually gained 2,216 yards and 16 TDs. We don't know, if Ronnie is healthy for the whole year (big if) that he doesn't stumble one or two games and doesn't even reach 2,000 yards total. Like I said, Ricky did it. Ronnie was projected to do it. Another thing is that most did not feel the oline last year was that bad in run blocking, and actually was commended somewhat. Not as maligned as you would paint them. Comparing them right now? Impossible. As you say, Ronnie is recovering, Ricky has yet to play a game.
I can respect this argument, and if framed this way, I have no problem with it. I think "has done nothing" goes too far, but you see it your way, I see it mine. You have a very good argument. Maybe not, but let's look. Already mentioned, Ronnie had 5.1 ypc last year. The Dolphins averaged 4.0 ypc on the season. A list of the other backs: Chatman: 4.0 ypc Gado: 3.0 ypc Booker: 4.5 ypc Cobbs: 3.1 ypc Ricky: 2.5 ypc (albeit in 6 attempts, because... he got hurt) Mauia: 1.3 ypc So... the line didn't block that bad, but not one other feature back (that doesn't include Booker who is more of a scat back) averaged over 4.0 ypc. I think your selling the "good run blocking" a little too much. What Ronnie was doing behind those guys was amazing. I won't discredit the line, and I believe lines and RBs kind of get a feel for each other. Our line was in sync when Ronnie was running and didn't do a bad job. But to say they were a good run blocking line, or even not that bad... just look at the other averages. Taking Ronnie out of our rushing totals, we averaged 3.58 ypg. That's a far, far cry from 5.1, and that doesn't pass the smell test of good run blocking (or even not so bad). --- And then just as an aside, the 389 receiving yards in 7 games were more -- in production NOT projection -- than any of Ricky's receiving yards in any of his years of 16 games with the Dolphins.
The real arguement here is that we need both Ricky and Ronnie, not if one is better than the other. In todays game in the NFL you need two good backs, who compliment each other. Ricky may have emotional problems but he is a good running back, Ronnie may have had injury problems early on in his career but he is a good back. If either one is gone then who fills the bill as the second (good) running back? Cobbs, Parmalee, Hilliard? None of these have proven as yet that they can fill that position. I can still remember the days when the Dolphins couldn't find a decent running back anywhere, remember those days and all of the names?
True, I may have went to far. In my eyes, Ronnie still has to finish out a stellar season. Then we talk. Make no bones about it, if I have to keep only one, I keep Ronnie and dump Ricky, today. They weren't stellar I admit. But if you can get Jesse Chatman who just came off a twinkie binge 4.0 ypc, it isn't THAT bad, now is it? Ronnie was definitely effective in the passing game. But Ricky's no slouch. Is it a result of ability, or playcalling/offensive scheme? Like I said, I take Ronnie today, over Ricky. But lets just be happy we have this conversation, and not how our RB's are turds
i agree 100%, and can understand why Ricky is the starter. but it makes ZERO sense to trade Ronnie. what would his trade value be, being dinged up, coming off an ACL injury, and having a crappy pre-season? seriously, horrible idea there, horrible idea.
Taylor had his career high in rushing yards in 2003, after the injury. His career high in yards per carry was last year, believe it or not. So I don't agree that he had his best seasons before the injury. Judge for yourself. http://www.nfl.com/players/fredtaylor/profile?id=TAY220162 James is a closer case. He had his career high in yards his second year, before the injury. But he had his career high in yards per carry after the injury, which doesn't jibe with him being slower. He didn't get as many carries post-injury, but presumably the development of a more diversified Colts offense had something to do with that. http://www.nfl.com/players/edgerrinjames/profile?id=JAM177189
I believe it. They say no were not going to trade Ronnie, you wake up the next day Ronnie Brown traded for a Conditional pick. Might aswell say good bye to Ted Ginn to and everyone else
