There's no shortage of optimism and self-belief around the Miami Dolphins these days.
Earlier this month, Reggie Bush, he of the lone 1,000-yard campaign in six tries, declared his goal to be the league's rushing champion in 2011.
Now it's Karlos Dansby's turn to take the cup half-filled approach. The linebacker believes the Dolphins are primed to become the toast of their conference.
"As a team, I'm expecting us to win the AFC, period. Point blank," Dansby said, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "We've got the talent. We have the coaching. We've just got to put it all together. It's going to come down to us as players going out and excelling and making sure we do everything we possibly can to win every game."
We're going to jump in at this point and mention the Dolphinsdid not win the Peyton Manning sweepstakes in March. And while, yes, they did win six of their last nine games in 2011, Miami began that same season with seven consecutive losses.
Not to throw cold water on the proceedings, but the Dolphins going to the Super Bowl this year is akin to Dan Marino selling off his possessions so he can become a traveling carny. Sure, it could happen, but that doesn't mean it will.
"It's going to be a challenge, no doubt. But that's what you live for," Dansby said. "You live for opportunities to have those challenges and we've got the opportunity of a lifetime here in Miami and we've got to take full advantage of it."
Best of luck to you, Karlos.
