Dolphins' Brown removes lingering doubts

[DolFan619]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/663438.html

Dolphins' Brown removes lingering doubts

BY JEFF DARLINGTON
Miami Herald

With no stutter in his step, no hesitation in his burst, Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown shot through the middle of the offensive line Thursday for a speedy 15-yard gain that seemed to relieve any lingering doubts about his health.

After the play, Brown hopped to his feet, crossed the ball through his legs the way a basketball player would, then hustled back to the huddle during the second quarter of Thursday's 14-10 win against the Saints.

A healed thumb? Check. A healthy knee? Check. A mentally sound mind-set heading into next week's opener? Brown's poised play Thursday left no reason to think otherwise.

Earlier this week, coach Tony Sparano said he still needed to see more from Brown to even consider whether he or running back Ricky Williams would start against the New York Jets on Sept. 7. Brown had only carried four times for three yards after a sprained right thumb sidelined him for two games.

But Brown finished the night with 47 yards on 12 carries and a 1-yard touchdown.