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Dol-Fans Celebrate 2011 Pre-Season Kickoff

PLANTATION (CBS4) - As the Miami Dolphins 2011 preseason kicked off, fans at Duffy's Sports Grill in Plantation showed they have high expectations for the team.

"Super Bowl. Absolutely. Gotta go to the Super Bowl," said Jim Lanahan, a Dolphins fan since 1969.

Watching the Dolphins give up a couple of early touchdowns Friday made Ryan Brown wonder if the Dolphins were headed for another lackluster season.

"It's tough to get your hopes up when you feel that there's not football people involved in the team," Brown said.

The Dolphins stormed back Friday night with a couple of scores. Fans know the Dolphins will likely go as far as quarterback Chad Henne will take them.

"I got faith in Chad Henne," said George Gonzalez. "He definitely has an arm. Brandon Marshall -- he just needs to step up. "

It might have been a preseason game but the fans appeared in regular season form. They're thrilled that football's lockout got settled and the focus is back on the field.

Fathers are ready to pass the game on to their sons and families are ready to again make football part of their Sunday routine.

"It's quality family time, barbecues and enjoying football.," said Tarin Machado, who sat a table with her twin 3-year-old sons, Jackson and Braden and husband Mike. All were wearing Dolphins jerseys. "We're die-hard fans."

The Dolphins have 3 more preseason games left. Their regular season kicks off Monday September 12 versus New England.

After enduring several trying years, fans are optimistic that this is the season the Dolphins turn things around in the highly competitive AFC East.

"Playoffs -- that's all I ask," said Mike Moffi. "Just go to the playoffs. Be contenders."

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