DAVIE, Fla. — Miami Dolphins fans filled the stands, peered through the fence behind the end zone and watched from the top levels of a six-story parking ramp.

On the first day of training camp, the team drew its largest crowd for a practice since the Dan Marino days. The attraction: a team that ended its long playoff drought last season.

"It's great to see the fans come out and support us," receiver Ted Ginn Jr. said. "I hope they keep coming out."

The bandwagon's bulging after the Dolphins' dramatic turnaround in 2008, the first year of the Bill Parcells regime. Miami improved by 10 victories to finish 11-6, win the AFC East and make the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons.

On a sunny, 92-degree afternoon, an estimated 3,152 spectators were checking out the 2009 version. Admission was free, but still, the turnout was the Dolphins' largest since the late 1990s.

"It's great. They deserve it," said longtime Dolphin Jason Taylor, referring to the team he rejoined this offseason. "They had a heck of a year last year. It's great to see the fans appreciate it and are coming out in support."

While optimism in South Florida is on the rise, NFL pundits actually predict a regression for Miami this season. Some say the Dolphins will struggle to reach .500 because they're saddled with a schedule ranked as the league's most difficult.

"It's all words, but we'll take the underdog role," receiver Greg Camarillo said. "We ran with it last year. It just gives you a little extra motivation."

The mood was lively for the first workout, thanks in part to the fans' enthusiasm. There was a big roar when Taylor trotted onto the field, and another for the first play, when Ginn took a handoff on an end-around and threw long to running back Ronnie Brown for a touchdown.

"I used to play quarterback in high school," Ginn said. "It's not that much of a difference for me to pick up the rock and throw it."

It helped that there were no defenders on the play.

Fans later cheered a blocking-sled drill, groaned when Ginn dropped a pass, and cheered when a ballboy leaned over the balcony railing near coach Tony Sparano's second-floor office to fetch a kick.

Sparano, who won raves for his role in last year's turnaround as an NFL rookie head coach, roamed the field throughout the two-hour workout and did little hollering.

"The law was laid down a little harder last year," linebacker Joey Porter said. "Guys understand what coach Sparano is trying to put across, so it makes it that much easier the next year. He doesn't have to come out here and be so hard on us like he was before, because we understand the message he's trying to put across. We understand team first, the discipline and playing smart, physical and tough."

Parcells watched practice from a golf cart, remaining in the background as he did last year. His protege, Sparano, is glad to have last year's experience to draw upon.

"I'm a lot more confident and comfortable and have a better idea of some of the bumps in the road that are out there when you prepare for a training camp," Sparano said. "It's easier for me because I've been through it once and I'm able to plan easier."

The plan for the first practice included 11-on-11 drills, although there was no tackling. Taylor, whose role has yet to be determined, joined the first-team defense at outside linebacker opposite Porter.

Taylor will compete for playing time with Matt Roth, who was held out because of an undisclosed illness. Roth jogged on the side but didn't participate in drills and was placed on the physically unable to perform list.

At 34, Taylor was the oldest player on the field. After one year in exile with the Redskins, he began his 13th training camp — and 12th with Miami.

"You kind of grow to hate it a little bit, but you know it's a necessary evil," he said. "Two-a-days are tough, dealing with the heat and grind. But you know it's the means to an end."

Camarillo was back after missing the final six games last season because of a knee injury. But guard Donald Thomas was limited as he strives to come back from a foot injury that ended his 2008 season soon after he won a starting job as a rookie.

The workout offered only a glimpse of the Wildcat, the variation of the single wing that revived the Dolphins' offense last year. Rookie quarterback Pat White was part of the package and lined up wide, with the snap going directly to Brown.

White and safety Chris Clemons agreed to terms Saturday, leaving the Dolphins with no unsigned draft choices when the first practice began.

By the end, the rookies were already feeling the grind of training camp.

"This is day one," top draft pick Vontae Davis said, "and it feels like day 25."

The first exhibition game is Aug. 17 against Jacksonville. The season opener is Sept. 13 at Atlanta.