Why Ray Rice shouldn’t be an option for the Browns
Oct 6, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns made it interesting yesterday, when they declared interest in running back, Ray Rice. We all know Rice’s story at this point, and his act of domestic violence.
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His name garners instant criticism for any team attached to his services, but at the end of the day, it’s a business. If you can perform on the field, for some reason people just forget about your personal life.
The Browns backfield has taken a few injury hits of late, and the question of adding a veteran back has surfaced. According to SI, when head coach Mike Pettine was asked about the backfield, he mentioned Rice:
"“Of course it’s a natural question here because of Wilbert, and because I was with Ray when he was a Ravens rookie and know a lot of people in Baltimore. Obviously Wilbert was his position coach for Ray’s first six years in the league. I’m not going to say it didn’t come up in discussion, but at this point we’re not there yet.”"
The question is: what does Rice offer to the Browns?
My answer: not much.
This isn’t the organization to handle a distraction like Ray Rice. Heck, they already have Johnny Manziel. It’s like adopting a second dog, meanwhile you can’t take care of the one you already have. Bad idea.
Let’s also remember, Rice didn’t play last season, which could be looked at in two ways. One, he could be healthier from not taking any hits, but it’s also a year away from the game which does cause concern.
In 2013, which was Rice’s last season, he compiled less than 700 yards on the ground, only four touchdowns, and a pitiful 3.1 yards per carry. We can only judge what we last saw from Rice to understand his true value, and at this point, I just don’t see the upside. Instead, I’d rather prefer a guy like Ahmad Bradshaw, if they do sign a veteran running back at all.
Related: Why the Browns should sign Ahmad Bradshaw
Now, there have also been rumors this story was stirred by Pettine to light a fire under his young backs, specifically Terrance West. That isn’t a bad strategy at all, and one I’m totally on board with. Unfortunately, the signing of Rice doesn’t do much for me, I’d rather see the younger backs just fight it out for playing time.
Those are my thoughts, how do you feel about Mike Pettine’s latest comments? Let me know below.