5 Reasons Why the Dolphins Running Game Can’t be Stopped

On a sunny September afternoon in 2008, the Miami Dolphins unleashed the wildcat against the New England Patriots, changing the NFL running game as we know it. Using Ronnie Brown as the triggerman, the Fins produced four touchdowns on six plays in a historic 38-13 upset of the Pats.

While Miami remains the benchmark for the wildcat offense, opposing defenses need to be ready for anything the Dolphins bring from the backfield.

Here are 5 reasons why the Dolphins running game can’t be stopped.

Ricky Williams is Still Running

Everyone was writing off Ricky Williams a couple of years back. Many questioned his work ethic and integrity, and most believed his career was over. Well, those doubters are awfully quiet now, aren’t they?

After a solid 2008 season, in which he ran for 659 yards and established himself as a formidable back-up, No.34 broke loose in 2009-10. With Ronnie Brown out injured, Williams shredded defenses with ferocious bursts not seen since his 2002 onslaught. His 1,121 yards made him a top ten back again and proved there’s still plenty of juice left in the tank.

Henne to Marshall

When Chad Henne throws to Brandon Marshall, it'll disperse defenses so much that Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams will be visibly salivating as they break through holes.

Henne’s long ball has the potential to dissect any scheme in the NFL, and with Marshall on the end of many of those passes, safeties and corners will be too worried about quick scores to focus on Miami's backs churning through the middle.

Patrick Cobbs is A Rocket

Patrick Cobbs has to love backing up two of the game's best. Not only is much of the ground work laid, but he can preserve energy for big plays. Take his 50-yard touchdown against the Texans in week 6 of the 2008 season, where he faked the up field block, and then sprinted toward the goal to catch a looping ball from Chad Pennington. It was smart and well executed, but more importantly, unexpected.

Cobbs compliments his mates because of his speed and ability to finish. Coach Tony Sparano can insert the 5’8 rocket into a variety of situations as the ideal change up to Miami’s regular pound-it-out game.

Ronnie Brown Can Do It All

It’s no secret Ronnie Brown is the catalyst to the Dolphins attack. But amongst so many headline-grabbling runners in the NFL today, it’s easy to forget the arsenal Brown brings to the field each week.

A power runner who moves tacklers at will, he's a heavy target for defensive lines. But he also has the agility and acceleration to elude quicker defensive backs, and can throw the ball as tightly as anyone not playing quarterback right now. Oh, and have you seen him run the wildcat?

The Catch And Run

Not many NFL teams have two backs that both run and catch. The Fish have three. Brown, Williams and Cobbs are a bona fide triple threat. Whether on the field together or interchanging during drives, there’s no way of knowing how Miami will utilize these players in any given sequence.

All three can bust tackles, stretch the field on pass routes, block for teammates and execute the trickery needed for the wildcat. But it’s simple screen passes that may just pose the biggest threat for opponents because they no longer see them coming.