Owner Steve Ross is talking Super Bowl. Coach Tony Sparano is talking Super Bowl.
So, naturally, Dolphins players are talking about a date in Dallas early next February, too.
So what if this proud franchise hasn't stepped on the sport's ultimate stage in a quarter century (and counting)? So what if the Dolphins are coming off a 7-9 disappointment and are widely considered a wildcard choice at best in the rugged AFC East?
The offseason acquisitions of star wide receiver Brandon Marshall and playmaking inside linebacker Karlos Dansby have the Dolphins confident they can not only get back to the playoffs after a disappointing sophomore campaign under the Bill Parcells-led regime, but actually do some damage once they get in.
For an organization that hasn't won a playoff game since beating the Colts in December 2000, Peyton Manning's third year in the NFL, that's some tough talk.
Still, ask strong safety Yeremiah Bell, the longest continuously serving player on the team, to complete a sentence that begins, "This season can only be a success if ... " and the Pro Bowl selection doesn't hesitate.
"We win the Super Bowl," he says. "It's that simple."
With Bell, the Dolphins' career leader in sacks by a defensive back, blitzing from every possible angle in new coordinator Mike Nolan's hyper aggressive defensive scheme, the Dolphins vow to create more turnovers than they did a year ago.
They also believe Marshall, preseason dropsies aside, will be just the run-after-catch target they've been lacking and a high-end bauble that could vault second-year starting quarterback Chad Henne to the next level.
"The needs were addressed," Bell says. "We have a very good team, and I think we have all the tools we need to get there. It's going to be up to us as players to go out and get it done."
As many as three rookies could open the year in the starting lineup: first-rounder Jared Odrick at right defensive end, second-rounder Koa Misi at strong-side linebacker and third-rounder John Jerry at right guard.
The hope is this infusion of youth will make up for the loss of experience with the departures of sack artists Jason Taylor and Joey Porter as well as veteran guard Justin Smiley.
A balanced offensive attack is still the goal under coordinator Dan Henning, and with Ronnie Brown back from a broken foot to share the load with the ageless Ricky Williams, that should be more achievable now that Marshall has arrived.
COACHING: Tony Sparano, 3rd year, 3rd with Dolphins (18-15).
REMEMBERING: 2009 record: 7-9 (3rd in AFC East).
PREDICTING: 2010 regular-season record: 11-5 (1st in AFC East); lose in second round of playoffs.
.gif){kind=spacer}
- Draft Scout Premium Members Feature - 
DOLPHINS INSIDE SLANT