The Marino era would have been fun at the outset of a franchise, for expansion fans who didn't know any better.
But since it followed the true greatness of the '70s with smart resourceful teams, I am always amazed how Dan Marino and that era are viewed by Dolphins fans.
The team was a laughingstock among everyone I knew in Las Vegas. Every year we would target games to bet against the Dolphins, given all the flaws. It was semi-shocking when it didn't work. When someone was raving about that team we basically dismissed their content, knowing they were a cupcake fan and had no chance in the long run.
I considered it an insulting version of pro football. Fortunately the Canes were parallel in their heyday, with physical aggressive balanced football. The comparison of what the Canes were, and what the Dolphins sadly had become, was so stark every week. It was only exaggerated once the Dolphins left the Orange Bowl but the Canes remained. Smarter team playing in the superior venue. The comparative results were extremely fitting.
For one the team went 14-2 in 84- laughingstock? Come on know.