Will Off-season Roster Moves Translate into Wins?
By "Skip Jackson"

Pre-Season 2173 (Davie, FL) - It wasn't long ago that Miami sports fans were dealing with the ultimate disappointment. After finishing last season 0-14, the Dolphins clearly had some work to do. Now, after a series of off-season moves, some fans are seeing a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

It started with the 2172 rookie draft. Miami first round pick Darin Gresham will be starting this year at left guard. His back-up, Greg Moore, was a second round pick by Houston who was acquired via a draft day trade. Also part of that trade was defensive end Carl McGee, who is the first man off the bench in what is sure to be an active rotation this year. Third round pick Brent Turner has taken over full time punting duties.

That off-season brought in two more starters via trade. Starting DT Kevin Pillman came in from Baltimore, and Howie Washington, who will fill the vital slot receiver role for the Dolphins this year, was acquired from Cincinnati. Then in the 2173 draft, Miami did its best to put a positive spin on a winless season by using the first overall pick on Joel Brenna. The gifted young lineman has already earned himself the starting center position, and has coaches gushing about his potential.

The biggest move however came this last off-season when GM Mike Piper opened up the checkbook and signed free agent fullback John Kennedy to an $11 million contract. He was immediately inserted as the starting back in Miami's K-Gun offense. 'We are very excited to get a player of John's caliber' said Piper. 'He is a versatile, powerful back who should really open things up for the rest of the offense.' Perhaps he is more than that, as insiders have hinted at a move to the I-formation next year in south Florida. If the rumor turns out to be true, then Kennedy could become the focal point of a powerful running attack...something Miami has not seen for quite some time.

And almost as if he needed one more media splash before the season began, Piper opened up the bank vault this morning and hit left tackle Tim Dennis with the FP5 franchise tag, guaranteeing him $12 million per year for the rest of his career. Dennis has developed into a premier left tackle and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Does all of this mean that the Dolphins are going to win more games this year? Well they certainly can't win less. The team seems to be more talented, and fans appear optimistic. At the very least, we are starting to see a future that looks a little bit brighter in Miami.