Dolphins season not over just yet

Sure Ricky Williams was a perennial pro-bowler.

Sure he was one of the best running backs in the league.

Sure he contributed to more of the Miami Dolphins offense than Lance Armstrong contributed to OLN's TV ratings.

However, the season hasn't started yet, and with only a few adjustments, Miami should be able to achieve the same success as they have in previous seasons.

With Williams, the Dolphins were always a rushing team.

Undoubtedly, his 3,939 total yards and 27 touchdowns in two seasons were a key contribution to Miami's recent 10-6 and 9-7 records, but in an offseason that featured the availability of pro-bowl running-backs Eddie George and Corey Dillon, as well as an NFL Draft stacked with promising young talent, Williams could not have picked a worse time to retire; such a career and franchise-altering decision.

Considering the lack of time between now and training camp, the Dolphins will not be able to fill the void in the backfield with a halfback of Williams stature until next offseason whether it be via free agency or the draft.

They may be able to find a quality backup somewhere, but the logical interim running-back lies in their own organization with Travis Minor, William's backup last year.

The 25 year-old back averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season compared to Willams' 3.5.

Minor will not show the same success as he has in previous years, as he sees his number of carries increase throughout a grueling 16-game schedule, but he can possess the skills needed for the Dolphins to carry a balanced offensive attack.

The Williams' retirement should also aid the Miami coaching staff in their quest for a starting quarterback.

The trade for Philadelphia Eagles third stringer A.J. Feeley in the offseason raised several questions among Dolphins fans concerning Feeley's lack of experience.

His only experience as a starter was in 2002, going 4-1 while filling in for an injured Donovan McNabb.

While Jay Fiedler outplayed Feeley in mini-camp drills, the price Miami paid for Feeley could be the determining factor in the team's decision on who starts opening day.

With Williams gone, the Dolphins now have an excuse to start Feeley because they have nothing to lose.

If former pro-bowl receiver David Boston can play with his head on straight and backup his 1,000 plus yard seasons that he had with the Arizona Cardinals, combined with Chris Chambers on the verge of a breakout season, and a hungry Randy McMichael, the Dolphins will have all of the ingredients needed for a solid aerial attack.

Throw in a 1,000 yard season by Minor, and the annually strong defensive presence the defense possesses, and you have a team that looks very similar to the successful Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and New England Patriot teams of the past five years.

It's too early to count the Dolphins out of having a strong season, with just a few minor tweaks in the offensive game, and a strong defense, Miami should still have a team able capable of competing for a wild card spot at the end of the season, even despite the loss of Williams.

There have been several teams spread throughout history that have picked up their intensity to a new level and shown that they can without their star player.

Just look at the way the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers improved following the departure of Alex Rodriguez.

Williams is gone, but Zach Thomas is still there, as is Jason Taylor, and so are 20 other players that will be starting on both sides of the ball come the season opener.

Try telling them they can't win.

Comments? Email me at mlovecchio@columnist.com