Brown right to believe he’s an elite back, even if he’s not

By Adam Sweeney  |   Tuesday, June 02, 2009  |  Comments( 2 )

Miami Dolphins
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Ronnie Brown said last Thursday after the Miami Dolphins' OTAs that he belonged in the NFL's class of elite running backs.

`You got to have confidence on this level and, you know, if I didn't, I wouldn't want to be playing this game," he stated. "So, obviously, when their names are brought up I want my name to be in that same group.''

You have to applaud Brown for his confidence. Much of what separates the great backs from the journeymen is ambition and belief in oneself. That hasn't gone away from Brown and it likely never will. It's one of the reasons Brown was able to return so quickly from a crushing knee injury. But does that confidence translate into reality? When you think about it, not really.

Brown can be brilliant when he's at his best. Anybody who saw his four-touchdown performance against the New England Patriots early last season knows that. Two seasons ago, before his injury, he was establishing himself as one of the best backs in the league and a highly underrated player. But all of that is in the past and what stands out is Brown's inconsistency. You can't be elite if you bring it one game and disappear the next.

Everyone is going to get to see the real Brown this season, that's for sure. Not that he wasn't impressive in spurts last season, but he still looked hesitant at times and lacked the consistent explosiveness Dolphins followers were growing familiar with two seasons ago. Brown still ended up in the Pro Bowl, so that says a lot about his ability to recover from such a disastrous setback.

Brown's 19th-best rushing numbers can be forgiven because he is a threat as a pass catcher, but the fact is that Brown is 27 now and only has a few more seasons to prove his merit as a great back. Given that his contract is up after this season, some believe 2009 will be the last chance for Brown to show the Dolphins he is worthy of being their go-to back in the future. Ricky Williams and Patrick Cobbs don't look like they are entering Adrian Peterson territory, but they are both reliable backs as of now. For a player like Brown, simply expecting reliability isn't enough.

If Brown wants to be considered an elite back, both in name and in contract, he has to put up the numbers that Peterson and other potential future Hall of Famers can. With a hopefully improved offensive line and full health, now is the time for Brown to separate himself from the pack. All signs point to a stellar season. If Brown can't deliver, then it's time to take off the rose-colored glasses and honestly evaluate Brown.
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About Adam Sweeney

Adam Sweeney spent 4 years as an opinions and arts & entertainment columnist with the Lone Star Lutheran, also working with Sports Illustrated.com. Along with his work on Realfootball 365 he currently is a contributor for Film School Rejects, SLAM Online, Talkhoops.net, and C-Heads Magazine.
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