04/16/24
January 04, 2011
Ricky Williams Takes Parting Shots at Sparano: Departing Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, 33, criticized head coach Tony Sparano for "micromanaging" and the team for a lack of effort in the season-ending loss to the New England Patriots. "They had less to play for than we did and they played harder than any team we played all year," Williams said on his weekly radio show, "and I just expect that from my team." Sparano's job status is shaky after a second consecutive 7-9 season.
Some rumors have Williams signing with New England as a free agent next year. It's not a bad idea to say good things about a prospective employer. I watched Sunday's demolition of Miami, and I will say that they could have done a bit better in the game with the roster they have. Not all of their problems lie with the coaching staff. These guys need a lot of help in the draft, but their front office may not be equipped to manage it.
posted by Howard_T at 03:11 PM on January 04, 2011
He takes some parting shots at Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall on his way out as well. I bet there are Dolphins who won't be sad to see him go.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 03:30 PM on January 04, 2011
Why would NE sign Williams when they're just fine w Woodhead & BJGE?
Also, stay classy, Ricky.
posted by kokaku at 04:01 PM on January 04, 2011
I like Williams and I hope he lands somewhere they use him properly next year.
Seconded.
He takes some parting shots at Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall on his way out as well.
Meh, nothing compared to Brandon Marshall's recent comments. I can't find the link I saw earlier today, but he ripped a few players, including his QB, on Michael Irvin's radio show today. I think Ricky's take on Marshall sounds about right.
posted by yerfatma at 04:08 PM on January 04, 2011
Why would NE sign Williams when they're just fine w Woodhead & BJGE?
In a word, depth. Right now the backups are Sammy Morris, Fred Taylor, and Thomas Clayton. Taylor is expected to retire, Clayton got his first snaps of the year on Sunday, and Morris is used more as a fullback/blocker than a tailback. Kevin Faulk might be back, but his effectiveness after a knee injury is in doubt. "Friend of Bill" Nick Saban, when he coached Williams, absolutely loved him. It is not inconceivable that Williams might accept a reasonable offer from Patriots.
posted by Howard_T at 08:33 PM on January 04, 2011
Woodhead is not a feature back. I love the guy, but he's not going to be a 20-25 carry dude.
And bear in mind Green-Ellis is a RFA after next season -- if Belichick knows he has Brown in the fold, wouldn't "The Law Firm" perhaps command a nice draft choice from some needy team before he walks to test the market?
posted by wfrazerjr at 09:37 PM on January 04, 2011
In a word, depth.
That.
The Pats never go for the big stud running back in the draft or anywhere else, really...so it's kind of hard to know how they'd use all those nifty draft choices.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 09:46 PM on January 04, 2011
I've seen two mock drafts, for what they are worth, and one has Mark Ingram going to the Pats and the other Jordan Todman out of UCONN. So those who predict such things have them darfting a back and both are pretty good.
posted by gfinsf at 06:38 AM on January 05, 2011
I had been excited for the prospect of Mark Ingram back before the season started, when I assumed Oakland's pick would be higher, but I'd actually be surprised now if the Pats draft a running back any higher than the 3rd round. The new thinking is it's not worth spending a high pick on running backs. Be interesting to see if wide receivers start to get the same treatment.
posted by yerfatma at 10:22 AM on January 05, 2011
I like Williams and I hope he lands somewhere they use him properly next year.
Also, the poll at the bottom of the page is absolutely stupid.