Miami Dolphins season ticket holders looked forward to the 2004 with a lot of hope. With great players on both offense and defense, the team was looking ready to challenge for the AFC East crown. Instead, some surprise injuries and defections have drastically changed the look of the team as well as their playoff prospects.

The 2004 Dolphins: Overcoming Adversity

The biggest news for the Dolphins leading into the 2004 season was the surprise retirement of star running back Ricky Williams. Clearly the best player on the team and arguably one of the best in the league, Williams could have single-handedly led the Dolphins to the playoffs. Just weeks before the season, however, he decided to hang up his cleats and go on an indefinite vacation.

The bad news didn't end there. Wide receiver David Boston, the team's other star offensive player, suffered a season-ending knee injury. And Adewale Ogunleye, an anchor on defense and the 2003 AFC sack leader, was traded to Chicago after a long contract dispute couldn't be resolved.

Without the services of three of their best players, the Dolphins will have a hard time competing in a strong AFC East. The defending champion New England Patriots don't look ready to give up their crown, and the Dolphins also have to deal with the strong and exciting New York Jets. If the Dolphins are able to overcome the hands dealt to them and make the playoffs, it would truly be an amazing achievement.