Renewed intensity
Marino excited about potential of 16th season in Miami
Posted: Saturday July 25, 1998 11:11 AM
| |
Last season Marino completed 58.2 percent of his passes for 3,780 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions AP |
DAVIE, Florida (AP) -- The man with the golden arm and the gimpy legs
jogged gamely from drill to drill, barked signals with the zeal of a rookie
and drew cheers when he hit a receiver in stride with a 60-yard rainbow.
Dan Marino began his 16th training camp Friday with the Miami Dolphins. It's
another record for the most prolific passer in NFL history, because no one
else has played with the Dolphins for so long.
"I wouldn't call it surviving," Marino said with a chuckle. "It's something
I'm proud of. I'm glad to be a part of this team, and I'm looking forward
to an exciting season. I know it's the first day of camp and everybody is
positive, but I believe we're going to be a contender."
As Marino basked in a new beginning, he tried to discourage discussion
about the end. Seven weeks before his 37th birthday, Marino knows this
training camp could be his last.
"I don't really want to talk that much about how long I'm going to play,"
he said. "At this stage of my career, I'd love to play a lot longer because
I enjoy the game. Will that happen? I'm not sure."
Immobility in recent years has made him a tantalizing target for defensive
linemen, and he's always one play away from a career-ending injury. The
Dolphins hope changes in their offense will help keep Marino healthy this
season.
Coach Jimmy Johnson has opted for a simpler approach, and he pledges his
team will run more often and more effectively. For Marino, that means less
exposure to pass rushers.
"If we stand back there in the shotgun with four wideouts every down, the
defense is going to lick their chops," Johnson said. "You're not going to
see that."
Marino had only 16 touchdown passes in 548 attempts last year, when Miami
finished 9-7 and was ousted by New England in the first round of the
playoffs. He said the reduced emphasis on the pass suits him fine.
He already holds NFL career records for yardage, touchdowns and
completions, but a Super Bowl championship is missing from his resume.
John Elway won his first Super Bowl title at age 37, and Marino's goal is
to duplicate that feat. This season's game is scheduled for January 31 in
Miami.
"That would be a dream come true, to play a Super Bowl at Pro Player
Stadium," Marino said. "That would definitely be something special."
Johnson says that even at this advanced stage in Marino's career, only a
handful of quarterbacks are better. Teammates regard No. 13 as No. 1.
"To see Danny out there so fired up after so many years in the league, and
knowing he's the best quarterback ever to play the game, it's exciting,"
receiver O.J.
McDuffie said. "Some of the young guys are in awe of him the first few
days."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| 
