Is DeDe Dorsey edging closer towards a roster spot?

by Josh Kirkendall on Aug 24, 2009 11:31 PM EDT in Analysis

The team's backup running back competition has been somewhat interesting, if not encouraging (go back to the start of 2008 to know my definition of discouraging). First, a quick statistical rundown.

	ATT.	Yards	Y/A	TDs	Long
Cedric Benson	18	56	3.1	0	11
Brian Leonard	13	44	3.4	0	9
Bernard Scott	11	36	3.3	0	14
DeDe Dorsey	7	65	9.3	0	45
James Johnson	4	22	5.5	0	13

There's two questions that could be asked. Which three running backs do you think the Bengals will take? Which three running backs should the Bengals take? Are both lists the same? I've long held the belief that the Bengals will take Benson (duh), Leonard and Scott. However, you have to wonder, is Dorsey upsetting that balance?

Scouts writes that Dorsey's performance against the New England Patriots could have given him an upper-hand as the team's third-string running back. Let's look at Dorsey's performance last week. Bengals have third-and-four at their own 18 yard line in the third quarter. Dorsey picks up eight yards on a sweep to the left and a first down. Two Brian Leonard rushes and eight yards later, Dorsey picks up 45 yards. That's two rushes for 53 yards. He finishes the night with rushes of six yards and one yard, all to the left. Not bad. However, all four carries took place in the third and fourth quarters. The soonest Dorsey got the call all preseason (read, two preseason games) was with 9:58 left in the third quarter last week against the Patriots.

Scott had a much rougher night, rushing five times for six yards; all in the second quarter. I disagree with Scouts assessment until the team gives Dorsey earlier looks against stronger defenses. I don't think that the Bengals will put so much weight on one preseason game. Now if the Bengals take four running backs, then that's a different story. But you have to remember that Scott looked very impressive against the Saints, averaging 5.0 yards on six attempts. And if you saw the game, you know the kid has potential.

There's also the special teams angle that could edge Dorsey closer to making the team. With two kickoff returns for 44 yards total, Dorsey has also recorded two special teams tackles (which is actually only one more than Scott). Is special teams play enough to give Dorsey an edge?

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If Dorsey gets a roster spot ahead of Scott

and we lose Scott…I’m going to be livid. Friggin’ short sighted coaches. You’d think they’d learn by when we lost Dorsey to the Colts.

by Craig Conrad on Aug 24, 2009 11:36 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

My problem with this contention is really just that Dorsey..

has only faced you know, 3rd string competition, whereas Leonard and Scott are facing more 1st and 2nd string defenders. Does that make a difference? Dorsey is more likely to break off a big one (like Bernard Scott), but Leonard is more likely to consistently be worth 4 yards.

Still depends a lot on the playcalling coincidences and offensive line play.

by jsl413 on Aug 24, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

Who's sold on Leonard?

I know that I’m not. Truthfully, I haven’t seen a whole heck of a lot from him and if Dorsey is breaking off 45 yard plays against second/third tier defenses, then that proves that he at least deserves a shot against the first stringers in a preseason game or two. Why not have a Benson/Dorsey/Scott combo? Benson would be the classic power runner with Dorsey and Scott giving you big play ability. From what I’ve seen, Leonard’s skill is in his versatility, but Scott basically gives you the same thing with big play ability.

This is our year!

by Paul Cannon on Aug 25, 2009 12:15 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

I think I disagree.

Cedrick is not a power runner. He’s shown little ability between the tackles and is making people miss instead of running through them. Leonard is versatile, yes, but I think he’s more consistent between the tackles. I think Scott gives the big play ability that Dorsey brings and a more injury resistant frame.

by jsl413 on Aug 25, 2009 12:37 AM EDT up reply actions

Do you remember

Who gave Palomalou a concussion last year?

If you don't live like you wanna, you live like you shouldn't

by trotanoy on Aug 25, 2009 8:54 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’d be OK with keeping the top four on that list. And I’d be OK with keeping Benson, Scott, and whomever. I mean yeah I like DeDe but I’m not sold on his durability so I don’t care whether he or Leonard are #3. But I’m with PBF here, if we lose Scott by trying to sneak him onto the practice squad I’m going to really want to smack somebody.

by FriarBob on Aug 25, 2009 12:23 AM EDT reply actions

It's only two pre-season games

Another interesting statistics: if you take away the longest run yardage from the total of each player, everyone averages below 3 yards a carry, except Dorsey.

by Richard L on Aug 25, 2009 1:52 AM EDT reply actions

I think Scott makes the team. I think he has way more upside and is a better receiver out of the backfield. and if i learned anything from watching leon washington rip up the ravens last night, it’s that they can’t cover a back coming out of the backfield.

by brandone on Aug 25, 2009 7:20 AM EDT reply actions

cmon, seriously?

Dorsey’s a preseason hero. he’s a fine athlete that can contribute on special teams, but he’s injury plagued for more than half the regular season year in and year out.

With a suspect OLine, we need all the blockers we can get. Scott should be our only slash runner. I’d say our ideal stable would be Benson, Leonard, Scott, Vakapuna, and Pressley. At least they’d have 4 backs that can pick up the blitz.

Every preseason Dorsey looks like a man among boys, but in the 4th quarter. Cmon, enough of this, please.

3 yards and a pile of dust

by Hudepohl Dey on Aug 25, 2009 9:01 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs