Dolphins fans can think the unthinkable

[DolFan619]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/655354.html

Dolphins fans can think the unthinkable

By GREG COTE
Miami Herald

Two quick caveats before we get to the fun stuff.

First, Kansas City is awful. You would estimate the number of Chiefs victories this season using one hand and having a thumb and forefinger left over to pinch your nose. What Miami was in 2007, the Chiefs have become.

Second, August results in the NFL are roughly as reliable as mortgage brokers. For this point we would note the current 0-3 fake-game record of New England putting not the smallest dent or ding in the Patriots' status as Super Bowl favorites.

Now the fun stuff.

Give the above points a nod of acknowledgement, Dolphins fans, and then continue undeterred as you experience something that has become so foreign lately.

It is called ''feeling good.'' Called ``being optimistic.''

Try it. See if it fits. Because here is a novel concept for your consideration:

What if the Dolphins turn out to be pretty good?

Didn't say great. Didn't say playoffs.

But after the ignominy of last year's franchise-nadir 1-15 season, I am suggesting the massive rebuilding that ensued enjoys accelerated status, and that 2008 looks as if it could see Miami competitive and -- with some luck -- having a chance at .500, which is just a bounce or two from a wild-card shot.

This supposition, after three exhibition games, might constitute getting carried away to some. But it no longer seems so bizarre as to be the kind of getting carried away that would involve men in white coats and a padded room.

The Dolphins' 24-0 home shutout of Kansas City on Saturday night to make the preseason record 2-1 only feathers the notion that expectations for this season should start rising above the idea of Miami simply being not quite as embarrassing as last year.

The right leadership, the right personnel moves, the right coach, the right draft, the right quarterback and the right (read: easy) schedule have enjoined to leave the impression Miami will be credible now and that rebuilding doesn't preclude that.

New quarterback Chad Pennington, a big reason why, verified his accuracy and wise head in an efficient 11-for-15 game that included a touchdown pass. The performance, coupled with rookie Chad Henne's end-zone interception in relief, should verify for any doubters that Pennington is the right choice to start this season even as Henne stakes his claim to being the man for the future.

Everything seemed to coalesce Saturday, and some of that was Kansas City being so generously bad. But give Miami credit, too.

Ricky Williams continued to run well behind an obviously improved offensive line, and if Ronnie Brown can be one of those lucky bounces by returning to form soon, this could be an offense that knows how to chew the clock -- as with a 10-minute drive that commenced Saturday's domination.

''We came out and set a good message with our offense,'' coach Tony Sparano said of that systematic march.

The defense forced four turnovers, enjoyed interceptions from Renaldo Hill, Michael Lehan and Jason Allen, had five sacks, even had a goal-line stand -- all on a night when, in Washington, former Dolphins defensive star Jason Taylor happened to unfortunately sustain a knee injury.

(See. That's the genius of Bill Parcells. In making the trade, Big Tuna foretold the Taylor injury, divining that one too many cha-chas had weakened the great one's knee.)

For Miami, even special teams actually were just that Saturday night, led by Ted Ginn Jr.'s 59-yard punt-return touchdown.

''All of a sudden it was that other gear,'' Sparano said of Ginn's speed.

Miami's deposed general manager, Randy Mueller, was vilified and deposed coach Cam Cameron was booed for drafting Ginn instead of Brady Quinn. Now, though, with Pennington/Henne making the QB spot as solid as it's been post-Marino, and with Ginn showing game-breaking return skills, the choice looks more and more defendable.

I still say Ginn needs to become a No. 1-caliber wide receiver to justify being the ninth-overall selection in the NFL Draft (and the Dolphins need him to be just that), but the occasional return TD makes elastic the patience Ginn deserves.

There were signs of hope wherever you looked Saturday night.

It was only Kansas City, and it was only August, but it was impressive nevertheless.

It allowed you to think the unthinkable:

What if the Dolphins turn out to be pretty good?