Backup RB

[YoFuggedaboutit]

OK guys, let's face it. As much as I wanted Ricky on this team, that is not possible for 2006. With that said, it's time to focus on getting a solid backup for Ronnie. Why, you might ask? There are several reasons.

1. Ronnie has never been a featured back throughout his entire college career.

2. Ronnie seemed to hit a rookie wall late last season before he got injured.

3. I agree with Dave on this one.  Nowadays, having a running-back-by-committee gives you better odds of performing well late in the season.

Although Sammy Morris and Travis Minor are still here, they are backups for a reason. While Kay Jay Harris has some potential, he needs to have a mind-blowing camp in order to just be handed the backup job.

That said, I think the Dolphins should pick up either Fred Taylor or Antowain Smith, both of whom are expected to be released on June 1. These are guys that were superstars in their prime, but can no longer handle a full load now that they are in the twilight of their careers. They can still perform at a high level for a portion of the game though.  I would think they would be good for about 10-15 carries per game, taking the load off Ronnie.

Any thoughts?

[Brian Fein]

Morris and Minor are backups for a reason.  Coincidentally, that's just what we need - a backup.

I don't see what the issue is?

[Frimp]

Why not pick up a veteran for one season?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Here's a snip from a Miami Herald Article detailing the list of current RB free agents:

The list of free agents isn't particularly outstanding, and is headed by former second-round pick Anthony Thomas. There's also Jonathan Wells, Antowain Smith, Tony Hollings, Mike Cloud and former University of Miami standout James Jackson.

Lamar Gordon, whom former general manager Rick Spielman once traded a third-round pick to acquire, also is available.

Gordon was cut in training camp last year by Miami and then spent time with Philadelphia. Saban was not particularly impressed with Gordon's effort in training camp.

Of those guys, Anthony Thomas (A-Train) and Antowain Smith are the most intriguing.  If A-Train can get back to where he used to be, that would be a good pickup.  Smith has always been a power back, busting up the middle carrying 3 or 4 guys with him.   

[Phishfan]

I think Sammy Morris can handle the load if needed. I have no concerns there. The current free agent list does nothing for me. Taylor or Smith would be interesting though if available at the right price.

[Brian Fein]

Antowain Smith is a bum.

Fred Taylor would be the only one I'd look at because he can handle a half-load type of deal, but he'd surely want too much money.

Why are you guys so down on Ronnie?  This "rookie wall" you speak of (a) is in your imagination and (b) doesn't apply to non-rookies

[Phishfan]

To clarify I am not down on Ronnie at all. I am just considering worst case scenario in this discussion. I feel Brown and Morris are fine as our top 2.

[Brian Fein]

To clarify I am not down on Ronnie at all. I am just considering worst case scenario in this discussion. I feel Brown and Morris are fine as our top 2.

I wasn't so much pointing that towards you as I was towards Tommy.

[Dave Gray]

I really like Fred Taylor.  A-Train might be alright.

I think Antowain Smith totally sucks.
I don't see a point in grabbing a guy like Wells.  Minor would give you similar results I'd imagine.

[MUCPhin]

I agree Fred Taylor is the safest bet out of the bunch, but he will probably be too expensive for 10 carries a game.  Wells isn't a bad choice here, considering he outweighs Minor by 50 pounds (256).   I think he could come in on 3rd down and move the chains.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I wasn't so much pointing that towards you as I was towards Tommy.

Read up above.  I would want to do a RB by-committee again at least for this season, increasing Ronnie's workload until he proves he can handle it full time.  If you throw Ronnie to the wolves right now and he goes down, what do you do??