Fresh off an 11-5 record and AFC East title, the Dolphins open their second training camp under coach Dave Wannstedt this morning at Nova Southeastern University.

In Wannstedt's first season, Miami's first without Hall of Fame-bound quarterback Dan Marino, the Dolphins surpassed all expectations -- except perhaps their own.

"Last year we might have surprised some people," Wannstedt said. "Our goal was to win the division. ... I wasn't surprised."

That means after a year with no expectations, the onus is on the Dolphins to prove their 2000 season wasn't a fluke, or the stuff of NFL parity. Many preseason publications have placed Miami second or third in its division. The Dolphins are playing a first-place schedule this year, with few clear wins, beginning with an opening night visit to Tennessee Sept. 9.

"We'll know what kind of team we have after the first month," said quarterback Jay Fiedler, who had an up-and-down season as Marino's successor.

Some observers say the Dolphins could have a better team this year and less to show for it.

"I definitely think (we can repeat)," Fiedler said. "We've been able to keep the nucleus of our team intact. Offensively, we've definitely added to our talent and depth, so I see us improving right now."

Lamar Smith, who until last season had been a journeyman tailback, showed he might be the Dolphins' answer in the running game. Smith rushed for 1,139 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a team-record 40 carries in a first-round playoff win over Indianapolis. But the following week, Smith went nowhere as Miami's season ended with a 27-0 walloping at Oakland.

The Dolphins are hoping Autry Denson, J.J. Johnson or rookie Travis Minor from Florida State can take some pressure off Smith and keep him healthy and fresh.

Miami's biggest problem on offense was the lack of a big-play threat at receiver. Tony Martin wasn't the answer and is back in Atlanta. The Dolphins signed free agents James McKnight (Dallas) and Dedric Ward (New York Jets) and selected Chris Chambers of Wisconsin in the second round of the draft.

Former Arena Football League star Oronde Gadsden has developed into a top receiver, and veteran O.J. McDuffie can be an important contributor if his troublesome toe heals.

Wannstedt said McKnight and Ward are coming off the best seasons of their careers and "they are players who can still get even better. They both have excellent speed, while James also gives us some size (6 feet 1, 198 pounds) as well."

Fiedler's season -- he completed 204 of 357 passes for 2,402 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions -- went downhill late after he battled injuries.

Though he led the team to the division title, something Marino hadn't done since 1994, the image of him throwing an interception that was returned almost the length of the field for a touchdown early at Oakland is fresh in many minds.

"Maybe subconsciously (the injuries affected my play)," Fiedler said. "Later on, I was trying to force it more so I didn't have to run and take the hit."

Miami signed ex-Jet Ray Lucas to provide competition and drafted Josh Heupel, who led Oklahoma to a national championship, but the job remains Fiedler's to lose.

The only glaring question mark offensively is at left tackle. Longtime Pro Bowl player Richmond Webb left for Cincinnati, leaving Brent Smith or free agent Marcus Spriggs.

The defense, one of the league's best the past three years, should once again be tough. Safeties Brian Walker and Brock Marion and corners Patrick Surtain and Sam Madison form arguably the best secondary in the league. Add to that mix first-round pick Jamar Fletcher, a cornerback from Wisconsin, and it becomes clear Miami is loaded with DBs.

Trace Armstrong, who led the AFC with 16.5 sacks, left as a free agent to join the Raiders, but the defensive front of Jason Taylor, Kenny Mixon, Tim Bowens, Daryl Gardener and top reserve Lorenzo Bromell should be fine unless Gardener's back acts up.

The only starting job up for grabs on defense is at strong side linebacker, where the Dolphins allowed Robert Jones to leave after he refused a pay cut. The front-runners to replace him are veteran Scott Galyon and third-round pick Morlon Greenwood (Syracuse), though it wouldn't be surprising to see the Dolphins try to pick up a veteran before the season starts.

"We have a chance to be a real good football team this season," Wannstedt said. "I liked just about everything that happened during the off-season."

Still, unlike last year, there will be expectations. The Dolphins don't seem to mind.

"I would consider us the division favorites," Surtain said, "because we are the defending AFC East champions."

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