ESPN.com - Offseason Overview: Miami Dolphins

ESPN.com: NFL

Tuesday, June 25, 2002
Updated: June 27, 3:46 PM ET
Offseason Overview: Miami Dolphins

By James C. Black
ESPN.com

Wed., June 26
Will Ricky Williams remain an enigma or will he prosper in Miami?
Make no mistake about it: Williams will quickly become the centerpiece of the Miami attack. First, he is one of the top workhorse-type tailbacks in the NFL, even if the perception has been that he doesn't come to play every week. Second, new offensive coordinator Norv Turner will give Williams the ball as often as he wants it. There is a misperception that Turner is a guy who loves to put the ball in the air. Not true. In fact, if you check Turner's history dating back to his days as coordinator in Dallas, he strongly favors a power running game. Couple that with coach Dave Wannstedt's proclivity for running the ball and, if Williams can stay healthy, he could lead the league in rushing in 2002.

Williams will never be the life of the party or the most outgoing guy, even though he is more comfortable in Miami, but he hasn't been nearly as aloof with his new teammates. And Wannstedt has spoken glowingly of how Williams has been around much of the offseason for the organized conditioning program. His presence will be a big plus for the offense and moves the Dolphins a step closer to Super Bowl contention.

Retired quarterback Dan Marino probably shook his head when the Miami Dolphins made arguably the franchise's biggest trade in March -- acquiring running back Ricky Williams from New Orleans. Throughout Marino's tenure and even since Jay Fiedler has taken over, the Dolphins were said to have lacked a running back capable of dominating games and leading them to a Super Bowl title. Williams, who put up good but not outstanding numbers during a rocky three years with the Saints, should be given ample opportunities to emerge as a superstar with the Dolphins.

Generally known for their defensive prowess, the Dolphins made a few other offensive moves this offseason with the intentions of making them a more balanced squad. Quarterback Fiedler, tight end Jed Weaver and wide receiver Jeff Ogden were re-signed. Wide receiver Dedric Ward was also signed to an extension. But the biggest move after Williams might have been hiring Norv Turner as offensive coordinator.

Turner, who along with coach Dave Wannstedt was an assistant on the Cowboys' Super Bowl team of 1992, spent last year as the Chargers' offensive coordinator after being fired as head coach of the Redskins in 2000. Turner is regarded as one of the better offensive minds in football and might be best suited to reshape the identity of Miami football. However, he starts the job facing a couple of risky additions.

Robert Edwards, who had a solid rookie campaign for New England in 1998, was signed as a possible backup behind Williams. Given the severity of his injury and the fact that he hasn't played in three seasons, the Dolphins probably aren't banking on major contributions from him. In addition, they signed offensive tackle Leon Searcy, who missed the final six games with the Ravens last year because of a partial re-rupture of his triceps tendon.

Defensively, there are a couple of key new faces. Rob Burnett, who played in Baltimore with Searcy, replaces Kenny Mixon at defensive end. Larry Chester (Carolina) fills the void left by Damian Gregory's release at defensive tackle. Most of their other moves defensively revolved around re-signing veterans: defensive tackle Tim Bowens; safeties Shawn Wooden, Brock Marion and Scott McGarrahan; defensive end Adewale Ogunleye; and linebacker Scott Galyon.

Another key was the acquisition of punter Mark Royals (Tampa Bay). The Dolphins already have one of the best and most reliable kickers in the game, Olindo Mare. By adding Royals, they now have someone capable of consistently putting opposing offenses inside their own 20-yard line and making their possessions against the Dolphins that much tougher.

For a complete list of all the players Miami has signed and lost so far this offseason, click here.

	DOLPHINS AT A GLANCE

	Jay Fiedler threw 20 TDs last season.
	2001 record: 11-5 Team rank: Defense (5th); offense (21st) Dolphins team news

How they drafted
In part because of their trade to get Williams from New Orleans, the Dolphins were innocent bystanders during the first two rounds of this year's draft. Miami gave up their first-round pick (in addition to their second-round selection next year) for Williams, and was without a second-round pick this year because of a trade with the Eagles last year. When they were finally on the clock, they took center Seth McKinney in the third round. The Dolphins, like so many other teams in the league, have a hard time keeping their linemen healthy, so McKinney could definitely log playing time this season. Overall, the Dolphins didn't snag any high-profile players or someone tabbed as a "great steal" late in the draft.

For a complete list of Miami's draft picks, click here.

Unfinished business
The Dolphins will have to establish balance and chemistry on offense. Even though a number of backs have been given the chance to flourish in the past, they've all failed, thereby putting the onus on the passing game. With the emergence of second-year wide receiver Chris Chambers, Turner must find different ways to find his explosive play-maker down the sidelines while not forgetting to get Williams a fair number of touches.

Fantasy Focus

Fantasy owners will benefit from Ricky Williams' new home in Miami. Running backs in Norv Turner's system are very fantasy-friendly. Turner has helped runners like Emmit Smith, Stephen Davis and LaDainian Tomlinson become scoring machines. Williams will also be the featured player in the offense as the Dolphins were only one of six teams to have more rushing than passing attempts last season. Expect Williams to surpass his career highs in yards (1,245) and TDs (9) and rank among the top five fantasy backs. Click here for more fantasy football news.
-- Roger Rotter, Fantasy editor

While Fiedler had a decent passer rating (80.3, seventh in the AFC) last year, the Dolphins expect more out of him. Not only does he have Williams and Chambers, but also two other wide receivers (Oronde Gadsden and James McKnight) who are both good enough to start. Teams with good defenses generally don't like to take a lot of risks on offense, but the Dolphins will have to open up their offense if they expect greater rewards in the postseason.

Outlook for 2002
In the AFC East, where each of the other three foes -- New England, New York and Buffalo -- could be good, bad or average this season, the Dolphins have the most potential based on talent. If nothing else, the defense is expected to keep them in games. They now have a proven back with solid receivers, but the creativity and production of their offense remains to be seen. This could be a perfect opportunity to design more plays for quarterback Ray Lucas, who has primarily been used in red-zone situations.

Something else to watch for is how the team handles its highs and lows. One of last year's ugliest moments was a tirade by Zach Thomas following a defeat to the Jets. The team eventually responded to earn its fifth straight playoff berth -- longest active streak in the league. Yet, this team is tired of just getting to the playoffs. The focus has clearly become ending the season with a championship trophy instead of another lopsided playoff defeat, which could bring pressure and tension to a veteran-laden team.

James C. Black is the NFL team pages editor for ESPN.com.