There's a contingent of hype brewing around the return of Ricky Williams amongst many a Fantasy circle in recent weeks. Warranted or not, it's tough to ignore the glowing reviews of the new holistically healed Williams. For the first time in his career, we are hearing the words passion and enthusiasm when his game is spoken about. And he's built his fair share of newfound believers.From the Sun-Sentinel:
"It's obvious who Bill Parcells' favorite Dolphin is. Nobody even comes close to Ricky Williams, who often puts a smile on Parcells' face. Parcells usually makes a point of pulling a player or two aside every few days to bless them with some of the wisdom he's gained over the years."Really? Bill Parcells is backing Ricky the Redemption? Well, that's certainly a positive sign if you're wedged in Camp Ricky. However, there are still many who feel this is just a fad and that eventually Ronnie Brown will wrestle away the starting job back from Williams. However, as it currently stands, Ricky, providing an unforeseen setback, will indeed be the starter when the Dolphins face the Jets on Sept. 7.
Now, I'm not about to raise my expectations beyond reason. However, there has to be an ounce (pardon the pun) of hope that goes along with Ricky Williams. Let's face it, Brown was emerging as a top-tier RB before he got hurt last season. However, prior to those first seven games of 2007, Brown was often nicked up and just a little too inconsistent for my Fantasy liking. Brown enters this season just a little gimpy, but you can bet he's going to push to get back on the field.
And why would he not want to rush back? I mean all he's heard about all preseason is the phenomenal camp that Williams has had. He's seen a revived Ricky Williams with his very own eyes and now he's well aware that Williams is a big part of Bill Parcells plan. Uh-oh, if you're Ronnie Brown...right? Well, not so fast, but he can at least acquaint himself with the term "time-share." And that's exactly what we can and should expect from Miami this season.
Of course, that leaves you and I pondering exactly what we should do about Williams? Or better yet, when should we draft either of these guys? Again, clearly the upside rests with Brown, if he's healthy. Then again, if Ricky is really back and can curb his enthusiasm from weed, it's not out of the realm of possibility to think he can be the back he once was. Yes, I agree...that's certainly a stretch, but he's avoided the "usual" wear and tear of a feature back by "resting" these past few seasons.
OK, there's no reason to get too excited about either of these guys when you attach the big "ifs" to both of them. However, for my money, Williams ain't a bad gamble if he's still sitting on the board in say the 10th or 11th round...right? Keep him fresh on your bench for a rainy day and hope that the low risk/high reward theory comes into play. Heck, you can even go out on a limb in deeper leagues, thinking that Ricky might be a viable option in Week 1.
It's a tough call on whether or not Ricky is just a preseason fad or not. And you'll probably endure a series of "legalize it" or "Sticky Ricky" jokes from your fellow owners, but the gamble really ain't all that much. You never do know, maybe Ricky has learned his way and he'll be the sleeper pick everyone keeps proclaiming him to be. Wouldn't that be nice? Stay tuned.
