A Brown-Chatman platoon could work out for Miami

By Adam Best  |   Thursday, August 30, 2007  |  Comments( 28 )

Miami Dolphins
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In the past year, unheralded Miami Dolphins running back Jesse Chatman was an ex-NFLer whose weight more closely resembled a defensive end's.

Considering that statement, why in the world is Chatman currently competing with Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown, a former No. 2 overall pick, for the starting job?

One answer is that Chatman reportedly dropped 60 pounds, got into playing shape and impressed his old offensive coordinator and new head coach, Cam Cameron, during training camp.

While that answer is probably at least partially right, another less positive one might be the real reason. There is a running back competition in South Florida right now because the coaching staff is disappointed with Brown.

You think LaDainian Tomlinson is in a competition with Michael Turner? What about Larry Johnson with Michael Bennett? Or even Clinton Portis with Ladell Betts? Bennett, Betts and Turner all have Pro Bowl talent (Bennett once even made it to Honolulu), while Chatman was doing God knows what last year. Plus, Brown has the same kind of pedigree that Johnson, Portis and Tomlinson had coming out of college.

That's what makes the Dolphins' current backfield quandary so mind-boggling. How can a running back who was poised to be the next superstar back coming out of Auburn be on the verge of losing his job to a journeyman?

Brown has himself to blame, and that's whom both the franchise and its fans should point the finger at.

Sure, this all could be a ploy to motivate the sometimes complacent Brown. In reality, though, it isn't. Cameron wouldn't mess with the media buzz that surrounds this situation if he didn't have legitimate doubts about Brown.

Brown didn't come out this summer and win the job outright, so now if he loses the job or has to split carries, then it's his own fault.

On the other hand, would a Brown-Chatman platoon be such a bad thing? Well, yes, if you look at it as Miami finally realizing that Brown isn't the franchise back it originally believed him to be. When you ignore past expectations for Brown, however, a one-two punch could be great for the Dolphins.

Having two running backs would keep both backs' legs fresh, something which could be valuable behind an offensive line that may struggle at times. Additionally, the Dolphins boast an excellent defense and a quarterback who hasn't looked so great thus far. In terms of the roster, it just makes sense to move to a two-back offense that's bent on controlling the clock. Attacks like that have paid dividends in the past -- all four of the NFL's conference finalists from 2006 had a running back timeshare.

If you are either part of or a fan of the Dolphins, then Brown has to be a frustrating player to root for. At the same time, this might be just as much a vote of confidence for Chatman. It's not unprecedented for a player to burst on the scene from out of nowhere. Chatman's never seen more than 65 carries in a season; maybe he just needs a chance.

Basically, Brown is underachieving, while Chatman is overachieving. If they can work together to get the job done for the Dolphins, then who really cares about what name and number are on the back of their jerseys? Well, other than fantasy football owners.

It may not be as sexy as the Dolphins having a superstar franchise back, but timeshares have been very effective in the NFL over the past couple seasons. That being said, a Brown-Chatman platoon could be exactly what's needed to propel the Dolphins back into playoff contention.
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CommentsComments: 28  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
phintim		07:59 AM
08/30/2007
Yes this 2 back set gives some punch and is close to being the answer to this season with Booker as a 3rd option. Chatman and...
No.2
jonaphin		09:00 AM
08/30/2007
A 2-RB system is the way to go these days in the NFL. Chatman will be good for Brown; keep him fresh and put a few licks on the...
No.3
Matthew, Boise		09:52 AM
08/30/2007
Brown has been an underachiever, but it's fair to consider the line play and coaching during his time in Miami as well. Also,...
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