Dolphins Defeat Panthers 24-17 Behind Ricky Williams's Three Touchdowns

When it was revealed earlier in the week that Miami Dolphins starting running back Ronnie Brown would miss the remainder of the 2009 season with a serious foot injury, it was no secret that Ricky Williams's workload in the Dolphins offense would be greater than ever. Knowing that he had incredibly large shoes to fill in the starting lineup, the 32-year-old running back performed as if he was in his mid-twenties on Thursday night, compiling 138 total yards and 3 touchdowns in a 24-17 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The loss of Brown was viewed as a devastating blow to the Dolphins offense and while he was undoubtedly well on his way to receiving legitimate Pro Bowl consideration, Miami's ground game did not miss a beat with Williams receiving full-time duty. He recorded 119 rushing yards on just 22 carries despite facing eight and nine man fronts from Carolina's defense with regularity and he put the game out of reach with a 46 yard touchdown run with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The vaunted two-headed monster that Carolina features in its backfield with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 165 rushing yards on 25 carries but the team's inability to score touchdowns in the red zone proved to be their downfall on Thursday night. Wide receiver Steve Smith added seven receptions for 87 yards, including a 27 yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.