A healthy Marino, by most accounts, gives the Dolphins a much better chance to win.

The question that should be asked is not if he can still play, but whether or not he should play. It may not be worth it to Marino--who would return only to attain the elusive Super Bowl title--to play for a team that has little or no chance to win without major improvement in the running game and offensive line.

New coach Dave Wannstedt has promised to shake things up in the clubhouse, and the recent upheaval of the Dolphin coaching staff has shown that, at the very least, he will not maintain the status quo.

The next step for Wannstedt is the more important job of upgrading the talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

And with numerous players available through trade or free agency available, including Barry Sanders who recently purchased a house in South Florida, Miami may show a much different look in 2000.

Should the Dolphins upgrade the ground game, and build to win next year, it would be in the team's best interests to give Marino a shot to lead it.

Throughout his career, Marino has played his best when responding to criticism, and next year would provide similar motivation. And if the Dolphins are improved entering next season, he would likely want nothing more than to come back and give it one last run.

Should this be the case the Dolphins would be better served to let Marino compete for the job. Frankly, it would be a shame to not give the greatest passer the game has ever seen the chance to prove, yet again, that he can do the job.