Dolphins in a rush to find success in ‘08

By Richard Diaz  |   Wednesday, May 28, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Miami Dolphins
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Although it's rather early to make any judgment calls, something is slowly emerging from the tragedy that was the 2007-08 season for the Miami Dolphins. That something is a reminder of how critical it is to have a legitimate rushing threat. As a team, the Dolphins totaled an anemic 1,569 rushing yards last season, which was 23rd out of 32 NFL teams and just 95 yards more than LaDainian Tomlinson’s individual output.

With organized team activities underway, there can be no doubt that Miami’s new regime is well aware of how important it will be to establish the tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams early in 2008.

Brown, who was one of the league’s most top running backs prior to suffering a season-ending ACL injury last fall, has looked sharp during OTAs. Given the circumstances, the cuts he made on his surgically repaired right knee were pretty impressive. Assuming he’s ready to roll come September, there shouldn’t be any disbelief in Brown's ability to serve as the catalyst of a young and inexperienced offense.

The proverbial wild card is Williams, who’s also returning to the field for the first time since a season-ending chest injury he suffered late last year in Pittsburgh. Even though he’s 31, it’s important to realize that Williams has only played 13 games in the past four seasons. Therefore, while easing off the rust might be an issue, Williams' recent inactivity could be a huge benefit as this season grinds forward.

Another key to success for Miami needs to be the development of rookies on the offensive side of the ball. The rushing game fell apart thanks largely to the fact the team had no true backup plan. Jesse Chatman was OK for a while, but it was a disastrous hodgepodge of players like Samkon Gado and Lorenzo Booker after him.

Young legs have been added to the running back depth chart with the additions of sixth-round rushers Jalen Parmele and Lex Hilliard during the draft.

Parmele averaged 125.9 rushing yards in 12 games for Toledo last season, which was good for ninth in the nation. He doesn’t have supernatural breakaway speed, but much like the Colts' Joseph Addai, Parmele has a penchant for gaining yards when none seem to be available. He’ll keep chugging until the play is dead, usually lunging forward for that extra fraction of a yard; and if the offensive line gives him a bit of space, be on the lookout for an impressive burst of speed in the open field.

On the flip side, Hilliard, an ex-Montana standout, is more power than finesse, and he's likelier to run through a tackle than juke around it. However, a drawback is his inability to separate in the open field.

Unlikely as it might sound, both Parmele and Hilliard need to be prepared for that inevitable moment when the ball is in their hands as rookies.

In short, here's what Miami's ground game needs in '08:

• For Miami’s young but talented offensive line to gel quickly and provide legitimate running lanes
• For Brown to match or exceed the pace he was on before his injury in Week 7 last year.
• For Williams to prove himself again sooner than later.
• For Parmele to be something of a third-down scat back who can serve as a change of pace.
• For each RB to be ready for the quick dump or screen pass, which an inexperienced QB will often turn to when faced with overwhelming pressure.
• For all RBs to cover their blocking assignments well; after all, the O-line can’t pick up every rusher on every play.

Even though the passing game is still chock full of question marks, the same doesn’t hold true for a rushing game that was nonexistent last season. If the team’s going to flourish, it’ll be because Brown and Williams are successfully rushing at a level that prevents defenses from keying in on whichever QB is lined up behind center.
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