Examining the Dolphins' Rushing Attack

Rushing Offense

When I've begun examining the Kansas City Chiefs' opponents this year, I've instinctively gone directly to the rushing stats. With the Chiefs getting torched on the ground, for the most part, every week, I'm always curious to know who's going to be a fantasy star from week to week.

The Miami Dolphins rushing attack, led by Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, is ranked 12th in the league, averaging 114.5 yards a game. Those two have almost evenly split carries over this season, with Brown getting 195 touches on the ground and Williams 138.

The Dolphins are playing under the auspice of the "Wildcat" offense. Here's a bit of info on it:

The wildcat offense, (or wildcat formation) a variation on the single-wing formation, is an offensive American football scheme that has been used at every level of the game including the NFL, CFL, NCAA, NAIA, and many high schools across America. The general scheme can be instituted into many different offensive systems, but the distinguishing factor is a direct snap to the running back.

It was this formation that allowed Ronnie Brown to rack up four rushing touchdowns and one passing TD in the Dolphins' season opener against the Patriots.

Stopping the rush is crucial against the Dolphins because a lot of Chad Pennington's success is derived from their ability to sell the fake.  The Dolphins figure to get plenty of momentum on the ground while playing in a windy, cold and possibly snowy Arrowhead stadium.