By all accounts, including his own, Marino is coming off easily the worst year of his career--both statistically and emotionally.

For the first time in his storied career, Marino threw more interceptions than touchdowns in a season--12 vs. 17. His quarterback rating was a career-low 67.4. Throw in a career-threatening injury to his shoulder and spine that caused him to miss five starts, and you have yourself a tragedy season.

Marino holds every major single-season and career passing record the NFL has. He is a shoo-in vote for the Hall of Fame if there ever were one, and his position as one of the greatest to ever play the game is secure.

Of course, this does not make him immune to criticism, as he has quickly learned.

The pressure to call it a career has begun to resurface, and this time, naturally with more vigor. His quest for a title has almost universally been deemed futile, and more importantly, his ability to compete on the NFL level has come into question.

As someone who has watched virtually every game of Marino's career, there's no doubt in my mind that he can still get the job done.

Prior to his midseason injury Marino had thrown for six touchdowns against four interceptions, and the Dolphins were 3-1. He had just completed a spectacular come-from-behind road win over Indianapolis, and nary a critic could be found.