-by Brian Fein

What the heck is going on here? The Dolphins ended a disappointing season at 10-6 in 2003, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. That's OK, there's always next year, right? Fans expect to see major changes in favor of improvement. The ineptitude across the board is mind-numbing, and to the fans, this is blatantly obvious. But is this reality? Oh, wait….

Start at the top of the list. Everyone expected Coach Wannstedt to be fired pending the end of the 2003 season. It was so obvious to the entire fan base that discussions of his successor began around week 12 of the NFL season. Regardless of the general sentiment amongst fans, Coach Wannstedt is not only allowed to stay on staff, but is given a 2-year contract extension. Are you kidding me? Let's miss the playoffs two years straight, and give the man time to do it for the next 3 more. The good thing, though, is the Dave was stripped of his personnel duties. Well, that's good… Now let's go hire a GM that can take us to the promised land!

Enter Dan Marino. Dan the man. The Savior of Dolphins' football, back to lead us into battle once again, this time as Head of Football Operations. Dan's going to make the difference this team needs. But wait, what's this? Dan's quitting after only 3 weeks on the job? D'OH! What do we do now?

With free agency only a week away, the Dolphins' needs are evident. An upgrade at quarterback is required. Some receivers to run across form Chambers will be helpful, considering the destruction of the Derrius Thompson project. Youth on defense is also a must, not to mention a left tackle that can actually block someone.

Jay Fiedler's on-sometimes-off-sometimes play has warranted him replaceable, and to some, a weak spot on the offense. The Brian Griese project ended in a flaming nose dive into the everglades. Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback Mark Brunell is playing the free agent market. Brunell could bring leadership, experience, and a veteran understanding of the game. Brunell got wined and dined by Dan Snyder and his boys, and looks as if he will be in garnet and gold this season. Oh well. That leaves Patrick Ramsey the odd man out. Patrick Ramsey? The same Patrick Ramsey that got broken in half by an orange-clad Jason Taylor on national television? Does anyone out there really think this guy is a serviceable upgrade from Fiedler?

Now, several NFL sources are reporting that AJ Feeley has been unofficially traded from Philadelphia for Miami's 2nd round draft pick in 2005. Feely was a 5th round pick in 2001, and led the Eagles to a 4-1 record in Donovan McNabb's absence. But a 2nd round pick? Boys, come on. This is AJ Feely, not Payton Manning.

The QB position is not the only spot on the field in shambles. The defensive side of the ball hosts restricted free agent Adewale Ogunleye, the 2003 AFC sack leader, who will likely not return for 2004. In addition, the Dolphins are reporting that Sam Madison will be released in a salary cap move this off-season. Madison is one-half of one of the best cornerback duos in the league. To release him outright would be foolish. Madison holds 2nd-round value in a trade to any team across the league. But the reports show that he'll likely be given away for free.

The off-season foolishness all spawns from the front office. Rick Spielman and his cronies have botched draft pick after draft pick, and free-agent move anfter free-agent move. Jamar Fletcher, Wade Smith, Eddie Moore, Brian Griese, Derrius Thompson, the list goes on and on. Take your pick. You can be certain that in the absence of fresh GM blood, that 2004 will be no different. Hot QB prospect Phillip Rivers is on a lot of people's radar screens for the #20 pick. You can bet if he's available, he'll be passed over for some punter or tight end. Only time will tell, though.

The Dolphins are an organization in shambles. The era of good times in Miami is over. It will be a miracle if anything good can come out of this off-season. The way it has been recently, Dol-fans can look forward to years of mediocrity, 7-9 records, and home in January. Its bound to happen. And we don't have to like it.

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