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.