Split Backfield in Miami?

Ronnie Brown has been a nice running through his first two years in the league. He has averaged 4.3 yards per carry behind one of the league's worst offensive lines and scored a modest 10 career touchdowns.

But "nice" and "modest" aren't exactly the adjectives at team wants associated with a No. 2 overall draft pick. "Serviceable" is another one that would fit that would probably make the Dolphins' personnel department cringe.

There was speculation when new coach Cam Cameron arrived in Miami that Brown would be used in a more versatile role, ala LaDainian Tomlinson, who enjoyed an historic 2006 while Cameron was calling the plays in San Diego.

However, as the Dolphins' season opener approaches, Brown is having trouble holding onto his starting job, much less appearing on the verge of a breakthrough third season.

As he did with Cadillac Williams at Auburn and Ricky Williams during his rookie season with Miami, Brown appears headed for more of a shared backfield load. This time it will be with Jesse Chatman, who spent the past two years out of the league trying to get his weight under control.

Brown didn't endear himself to Cameron by showing up to training camp overweight. Meanwhile, Chatman was slowly proving to be very consistent during the preseason.

Granted, all four of the teams that reached the conference finals last season had a two-headed attack in the backfield, but the Dolphins are still waiting to get the return on their investment they expected when they picked Brown in 2005.