Pop quiz. And don't cheat by looking it up. Do you remember the last Dolphin's playoff game? Who did they play? What was the final score? Who was Miami's quarterback?
It all feels like eons ago. It was Jan. 4, 2009.
Around this time of year there's a swell of anticipation. Football season does that to a lot of us. And for long-time DolFans, like me, there's a hope that this is the year things will be better. That's because this team used to be good.
Think back to the '80s. Miami won four divisional titles and two AFC championships. In the '70s Miami was one of the winningest teams, with two Super Bowls.
So it's not like Miami doesn't know winning. It's just that we're waiting for the team to get back there. This year there's a stronger than normal feeling of hope, mixed with desperation, that this could be that year when the team returns to those winning days.
Miami made some big moves in the off season, like: signing defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, giving quarterback Ryan Tannehill a big contract and picking up rookie receiver DeVante Parker. No one is saying Super Bowl or Bust, but the playoffs are supposedly within reach.
Actually, one group did pick Miami to go to the Super Bowl. A Harvard student published a report -- A Way Too Early Prediction of The NFL Season -- in which he says his mathematical equation puts the Dolphins in the big game.
Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald (who's been covering training camp) says the team is talking a lot about high expectations this season.
Like any team one has to look to its quarterback. Let's face it, most teams that win championships have a great quarterback (the Patriots, Packers, Seahawks and even the Ravens). Is Ryan Tannehill the man who can be that leader and lift this team to new heights?
He doesn't have the marketability or persona that Madison Avenue may require. He isn't a commercial commodity like the Mannings, or Aaron Rodgers. But he is consistently getting better.
Every year his numbers improve. From his rookie season, Tannehill has increased his yards per season, his touchdowns, reduced his interceptions and is one of the best in passer completions. He's still listed in the middle of the pack according to many sports media outlets. Beasley says the team is almost sold on him.
Another big change will be the stadium. Owner Stephen Ross is spending hundreds of millions to give SunLife Stadium a makeover on a level that would make any of the "Flip This House" series proud. This year fans will find themselves in a cozier environment, with upgrades throughout the stadium and 10,000 fewer seats. Next season fans will be able to enjoy four large screens and a canopy.
It's all about getting the Super Bowl back to Miami and to get the fans back to the stadium. A recent Emory University study shows Miami fans are the worst overall. Beasley says may be fair.
The Dolphins open the preseason Aug. 13, against the Chicago Bears. The regular season begins Sept. 13 with a road game against Washington.
By the way, did you answer the pop quiz questions? The Dolphins' last playoff game was a 27-9 drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. Chad Pennington was the quarterback for Miami. He threw four interceptions that game.
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