“Not one or two but maybe five or seven, man, for real,” he said. “The opportunities will be there. The coverages we’re playing will allow the inside linebackers to make plays, and we just got to fly around, read our keys and go.”

Dansby isn’t the only player with big goals. On offense, Reggie Bush is hoping to lead the NFL in rushing. And in the passing game, while fans wonder if any Miami receiver will make plays, Hartline is thinking the best year of his career might be on the horizon.

“I want to be a 1,000-yard receiver,” he said. “I don’t care how many catches it takes because I think yardage shows production more than catches. I want to get in the end zone. I want to score touchdowns and go over 1,000 yards.”

Hartline is quite bright and understands many fans wonder if the Dolphins will be able to throw the football at all, much less do it with enough proficiency to boast a 1,000-yard receiver.

That’s where his view from the inside is different than those outside the locker room.

“I guess inside looking out I understand where people stand as far as, this day and age with the need to throw the ball, people want a handful of guys that will make plays,” he says. “I understand that. And as far as us having some drops and some not-too-good showings in the preseason, I get it. The fan base is ready to win and there’s all kind of pressures. I get all that.”

But Hartline didn’t play in the preseason while nursing an injury. And Davone Bess only played a total of two quarters. And deep threat Anthony Armstrong joined the team Sunday after being claimed on waivers from Washington. And Bush wasn’t used in the slot at all — a position he is likely to play on many passing downs.

So players expect good things even while some fans don’t know what to expect or, worse, are expecting losses piled atop losses.

“Preseason is one thing but regular season is a whole other animal,” Dansby said. “The speed of the game will pick up across the board. This team will pick it up across the board. I know we’re ready to play some, great stellar defense. That was our goal since Day One. That’s still our goal.”