Battle of the Running Back Ups
Carolina could be forced to its back up running back on Thursday
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Ricky Williams and Jonathan Stewart take center stage Thursday.
Life might just be fair after all, or maybe that's just more wishful thinking on our part.
The Carolina Panthers have listed stud running back DeAngelo Williams as "questionable" for Thursday night's game against the Dolphins, but what has us more excited is he was held out of Wednesday's practice because of a nagging knee injury.
Coach John Fox said the team was just "resting" Williams, but we are hoping that nap lasts through game time.
If Williams can't go, that would pit Ricky Williams versus Jonathan Stewart in a turf war, which probably doesn't signal much of an advantage for Miami. Actually, that's probably an even deal, but we'll take it.
Not facing the Panthers' two-headed monster rushing attack can be seen as a major positive for a Dolphins defense that has endured some infighting in recent weeks and is still trying to figure out a productive rotation in the front seven.
On paper, the Dolphins run D (ranked 7th in the league) versus the Panthers No. 3 rushing offense would appear to be strength on strength. So injuries could give either unit the edge in the match up.
With less depth, the Panthers would at some point have to put the ball in the hands of Jake "I heart interceptions" Delhomme. And if any secondary could use a quarterback gift wrapping turnovers during this holiday season, it's Miami.
Delhomme is among the league leaders in interceptions with 13 and has only thrown seven touchdowns. He's played better of late, but that's mostly because he hasn't had to do much more than turn around and hand the ball off to Williams or Stewart.
For what it's worth, Stewart is also listed as questionable for the game with a sore Achilles tendon, but he is expected to see minutes on the field. Hopefully for the Dolphins, it's starter's minutes.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC 6 Miami
Posted Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 - 6:41 PM EST
