The Runner and the Titan

Jimmy Bourbon

10 years ago

The last time WE ‘Phins had true glory was wwwwaaayyy back in the seventies: when we ran the ball. We ran the ball the best, then. Tomorrow’s game and this season will be determined by who runs the ball. This is a two-fold prospect. It’s not simply about running, but also the converse: stopping.

We are suffering in the center. Starks didn’t practice this week. Coleman and Johnson are inexperienced and while Mitchell is playing very well, he isn’t Starks. Misi a very large man to occupy the center at MLB is out. Trusnick his fill in has stepped in and played well, but seems to leave the middle open late in the game.

Jared Odrick will most certainly have to play stand in for Atlas. His Pee-wee Herman dance must run like the energizer rabbit. And it can considering the height of his pick, his resume and his season thus far. He is a superior talent with the physical gifts to dominate. Sunday is his day to prove it. The Dolphins need him to have his best day as a player, to impose his will on Rb’s, linemen and QB alike. Its not easy carrying the world on your shoulders, but that’s what titans do and we need him to be a titan.

Enter Jones-Drew. The Raiders game will be determined by him. He is injured and a bit long in the tooth. But he is / was a very, very good back. What is he prepared to give today? How much is he ready to sacrifice to the cause? That hand is hurting. Will it let go of the rock to let go of the pain from all the grabbing, hammering and pulling? As a Jones Drew fan, it will be very interesting drama to be played out.

Of course, I’d like you know, as a member of the “’Phindom”, I want him to drop it like a hot rock and play second fiddle to Miller.

Speaking of Miller and our desperate Dolphins: our running game will be depend on our line. Yes, all running games are dependent on line play, but some backs are more dependent on it than others (See Barry v.s. Emmit as an example). And with right guard Shelly Smith out this could be more difficult than it needs be. While Maurice is a near Hall of Fame back who can / could make Filet Minot out of road-kill, Miller, while talented, needs the hole right or near where it’s supposed to be. Yes, he’ll find the back door here and there, and he’ll lock and pop down the line once a game or so, but he is mostly a game plan back who thrives when he crosses scrimmage – IF the line gets him there.

True the ball must be thrown. It will be important for Tanny’ to play well to hush the uproar. But it will only be thrown if the runners run and slow the heat of the rush. Oakland was blown out its first two games when the rock was toted for big yards. When it wasn’t – see the Patriots last week as an example – it can get tight. And the Raiders know what their season is: a rebuilding one. Dolphins are fighting for more and have more on the line. Tight games can make tight players , sapping their will with nervousness about what can be lost.

It is said rightly that Football is a game of wills. Will Odrick claim his role as titan of Miami’s middle and will the o-line overcome injuries and open holes for Miller? Will Maurice’s be able to will himself through the pain? The answer to that has Miami’s season hanging in the balance. I’m gonna’ bet on the Dolphins with the best sports betting software like Ace Per Head.

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