In 2010 the Wildcat formation transformed from the Miami Dolphins' secret weapon to a momentum-killing albatross that led to many a Dan Carpenter field goal and violent fist pump from head coach Tony Sparano.

Dolphins fans, who once sat on the edge of their seats when Ronnie Brown lined up behind center in the shotgun formation, turned on the gimmick when it seemed it had outlived its usefulness. In 2010, the Dolphins averaged a dismal 3.4 yards per play out of the Wildcat.

The retirement of offensive coordinator Dan Henning and departure of quarterback coach David Lee seemed to mark the end of the Wildcat. The two had orchestrated the use of the formation in 2008 after Lee had used it successfully as offensive coordinator at the University of Arkansas.

But it may be coming back.

"The Wildcat, or at least some sort of direct-snap offense, will be back in Miami in 2011," the Palm Beach Post reported Monday.

This seems like a strange way to make the fans forget their disappointment over the failure to draft quarterback Ryan Mallett.

The Post notes that the Dolphins second-round draft pick, running back Daniel Thomas, played quarterback in junior college and provides the versatility needed to run the Wildcat.

Ronnie Brown was never a threat to complete a pass out of the Wildcat, allowing defenses to stack the line of scrimmage and clog running lanes for Brown and Ricky Williams.

Beyond that, sixth-round pick Charles Clay occasionally ran the Wildcat in college at Tulsa, while center and first-round pick Mike Pouncey is just the kind of athletic center who can pull and block at the second level in the formation.

The Post cited multiple sources who told them that Pouncey "did receive material pertaining to the Wildcat, to allow him to start familiarizing himself with some of the various plays and concepts." Pouncey is also familiar with the Wildcat's blocking concepts, having run the formation at the University of Florida.

New offensive coordinator Brian Daboll used the Wildcat frequently with the Cleveland Browns in 2009, so much so that opposing defenses quickly figured out how to stop it (are you sensing a familiar theme?).

Add it all up, and it becomes clear that the Dolphins seem likely to treat their fans to more Wildcat-induced anxiety in 2011. At least Chad Henne will not be the only scapegoat should the Dolphins offense falter next season.

David Hill is a Miami native who used to be able to name every quarterback who has started for the Dolphins since Dan Marino retired. He has since lost count.