3rd Down Back Situation

by joel311 on Sep 11, 2008 11:02 AM EDT

Ben Volin made an interesting point during the PBP live chat this morning, it went as follows:

Ben Volin: Good morning, thanks for joining us.

The third-down running back situation was another hot topic in my post-game chat on Sunday. (SHAMELESS PLUG: JOIN ME AFTER EVERY GAME FOR A LIVE CHAT!)

No question, Ricky and Ronnie are the top two backs, and have arguably the best hands on the team, among all receivers and tight ends. They were active in the passing game in the fourth quarter, when the Dolphins were throwing on every down. They combined for seven catches.

Patrick Cobbs, though, played 13 snaps on third down. He caught one pass for 9 yards. The other 12 downs? He was a blocker.

Understand, though Cobbs is only 5-foot-8, he is a BEAST. Pound for pound, the strongest guy in the locker room. He can squat three times his body weight.

He was in the game for one reason only -- to thump anyone who got close to Chad Pennington.

Who would you rather be taking those licks -- Ronnie Brown, coming off ACL surgery? Ricky Williams, who is 31 years old?

Tony Sparano knows that his offensive line is a work in progress, and uses Cobbs as a safety valve.

That said, expect to see more Ricky and Ronnie this week on third downs, because the offense needs to move the ball more than it did against the Jets.

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And thats exactly how it should be

We do not want Ronnie or Ricky takning that kind of beating when we practically have another, granted smaller, blocker right next to Pennington. The game dictated that sort of strategy and that is why Ronnie was not out there, even though we all know his capabilitys of catching the ball if not rushing for the first.

Basically, dont read too much into it. This staff uses their personel and uses them well (only exception being Ginn, which I would have liked to see be involved more in the passing game, if not at least getting all the kick return duties.)

by DaMiamiDolphinz on Sep 11, 2008 1:25 PM EDT reply actions

agreed.

I would like to see Ronnie or Ricky in more often on 3rd downs, just because they are pass catching threats out of the backfield, but if Cobbs is that good of a blocker, then let him relieve R&R of some of the wear and tear.

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Sep 11, 2008 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

agreed.

Ice Ice Baby

by finsxfactor on Sep 11, 2008 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

quit copying me!

or i’m tellin mom!

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Sep 12, 2008 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

IM NOT READING THIS.........

I REFUSE. RONNIE AND RICKY.

NO COBBS…NEVER A COBBS…..I DONT WANNA HEAR HIS NAME UNLESS WE ARE KICKING OFF OR PUNTING

RICKY…RONNIE…RICKY…RONNIE…RICKY…RICKY….RONNIE….RONNIE..RICKY….RONNIE………………..

AT NO TIME PATRICK.

HAVE I MADE MYSELF CLEAR? ILL TACKLE HIM MYSELF IF I MUST BEFORE HE CAN GET TO THE FIELD

Its Sunday afternoon.....do you know where your beer is?

by Rzayo24 on Sep 11, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

so what are you saying man?

-LCFF

by LeftCoastFinFan on Sep 12, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions

As all my fellow dolfans can agree with we need to establish the run sooner and give our guys a good chance to even up the playing field. Way more play action is necessary for us to be a successful franchise this year. I still believe that winning 7-9 games is attainable. We just need to play smarter football and use our best tools that we have available. As far as Cobb, hell put him in a two back set with Ricky or Ronnie and let him block than. But we need one of those two guys in there at all times.

by esco6781 on Sep 12, 2008 8:41 AM EDT reply actions