Want to Quarterback the Miami Dolphins? Please, Take a Number

Dan Marino retired in 2000, but for Dolphin fans it feels like a century ago. Since the retirement of Marino, Miami has started 16 different quarterbacks. And that number is likely to increase in 2012.

So, the Dolphins quarterbacks have been just like customers in a deli. Take a number, wait until it's called and then order. When your order is done, it's time for a new customer. The Dolphins have given 16 different quarterbacks the opportunity to quarterback their team. Some tenures are longer than others, but they are all short-lived. And all signs point to another "customer" getting their chance next season.

The Dolphins have the tools to have a decent year in 2012. Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush had good seasons in 2011. Karlos Dansby leads an underrated defense and when Miami got hot last year, they proved they could play. But what Miami has lacked for a decade is somebody to orchestrate the team. Nobody has really stepped up and said, "this is my team."

Let's take a quick look at the 16 quarterbacks since Marino:

Jay Fielder, Damon Huard, Ray Lucas, Brian Griese, AJ Feeley, Sage Rosenfels, Gus Frerotte, Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemon, Trent Green, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne, Tyler Thigpen and Matt Moore.

Exhale.

Did Miami really expect any of these men to lead their franchise to the promised land?

Rather than focus on the past, let's take a quick glance into 2012.

If Miami is, for whatever reason, unable to upgrade at quarterback, Moore showed enough promise to keep the team competitive. New coach Joe Philbin would prefer a new quarterback for the team. Matt Flynn would make sense to lead the team. Philbin is familiar with him from Green Bay and Marshall has been asking about him.

Drafting a quarterback is an option but look for Miami to target proven players. The fans clearly want Peyton Manning to take the reins. But Manning's days as an NFL player are numbered. What Miami needs is what it hasn't had since Marino: a franchise quarterback.

It's almost comical to see all of the quarterbacks the Dolphins have started. One after another, they have come and gone. So who will it be in 2012?

Who knows, but 16 other customers have ordered at the deli.

And his number is on the clock.