All were employed by the team.

Others did not think Miami would be much better than its 1-15 record in 2007. Not with running back Ronnie Brown returning from a season-ending knee injury. Definitely not with running back Ricky Williams one failed drug test away from facing another league suspension. Certainly not with quarterback Chad Pennington, who was benched by the Jets in 2007 and released before this season, or with rookie head coach Tony Sparano.

Those potential obstacles did not hinder the Dolphins, who went 11-5 and hope to continue their unexpected ascent as they host Baltimore (11-5) in today's AFC wild-card game.

"From the top down, it's been a collective effort of everyone believing in what we're trying to get accomplished," Pennington said. "Once believing in what we're trying to get accomplished, going out there and making it happen though our actions."

Pennington's actions since joining Miami contributed a lot to the team's turnaround.

After the Jets released him to obtain Brett Favre, Pennington brought his confidence and leadership to Miami as a free agent. His work ethic and relaxed demeanor rubbed off on teammates, who were desperate for a leader.

Last season, Miami lost six games by seven points or fewer, but with Pennington, the Dolphins won seven games by seven or fewer, including four during a five-game winning streak to finish the regular season. Pennington was subsequently named the 2008 Comeback Player of the Year, the second time he has received the honor.

"If humble is his role and how he likes to look at it, and it's a quiet chip that he keeps on his shoulder when he doesn't get the respect, he shows it a little different," Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter said. "He thinks, 'OK, I'll just show them on the Football field.' And that's a good way to approach it, because we are getting the best results possible out of him."

The Dolphins also received strong results from Brown (916 yards, 10 TDs) and Williams (659 yards, four TDs).

However, neither was much of a factor during Miami's 27-13 loss to Baltimore during the regular season. Brown rushed for 27 yards and Williams added 16 during the defeat, but Dolphins players believe that loss positively affected their season.

"I think we are a lot better," Brown said. "I think the last game against Baltimore we made some mistakes and had a big turnover that turned into seven points. I think that if we play the way that we are capable of playing -- last game we had an opportunity in the red zone and we had to settle for a field goal -- and just go back and look at the film, we have a lot of areas that we can improve in.

"Now the scenario is going to be a little bit different. The stakes are higher. It's a playoff game. We're home, so there is a lot to play for and, like I said, we have improved a whole lot since the first time that we played them."

Miami won nine out of 10 games after losing to Baltimore.

The Dolphins' biggest accomplishment was tying the 1999 Indianapolis Colts (3-13 to 13-3) for having the biggest one-season improvement in league history.

Now even non-Dolphins employees believe in Miami's success.

"Yeah, it's different now. The fans are a little more happy," Miami linebacker Channing Crowder said. "They are just nicer, not talking so much junk.

"They are saying thank you and all for the team doing good and bringing the Dolphins back to the old Dolphins. A lot of people in South Florida are used to the 'Dan Marino Dolphins' when they were winning year-in and year-out. So it's exciting for the fans and for us to go to the playoffs."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425.

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