Dolphins’ training camp

105.3 passer rating).

Gase thought Cutlerwas the better bet. Again, feel free to debate that. But again: Any second-guess runs up against the firsthand knowledge of a coach with a developed reputation as a Quarterback Whisperer.

Colin Kaepernick? He’s out there. Knowthis, too: Dolphins owner Steve Ross didn’t block themove because of Kaepernick’s national-anthem-kneeling, Fidel-Castro-defending stance.

Gase evidently didn’t think hewas a good fit for this offense. See above about second-guessing this move.

Look around. See anyone else in August? Gase’s list of former quarterbackswas down to Tim Tebowbeing called up from the Port St. LucieMets. Thatwould’ve been fun.

So you don’t have to like Cutler’s reputation of a sour-puss attitude, untidy decisions or howhe’s never matched the potential in his arm. Nor don’tworry that hewas never too popular with teammates, though it’s fair to noteMoore is Mr. Popularity in the Dolphins locker room.

Still, Cutler’s best year in Chicagowas the one year with Gase. With little help around him, he posted a 92.3 rating— the only time in his 11 years his ratingwas north of 90. Gase regularly has dismissed any criticism of Cutler, too.

“The player I read and hear you guys talk about isn’t the one I know,” he said earlier this year to the media.

Much will be made about the time left for Cutler to get to knowthese players and this offense. No doubt it’s an issue. But let’s not over do it. Sundaywas Aug. 6. Pennington signed with the Dolphins on Aug. 9, 2008.

Pennington somehow figured out the playbook and the players to finish second inMost Valuable Player voting for the league that year. Cutler is a veteran with knowledge of Gase’s system. Knowing the offensewon’t be an issue come September. Winning games will be. Besides, the real historical context here is the curse of the Dolphins quarterback going back to when DanMarino suffered his Achilles tear in 1993. He played his final years with a limp.

Drew Brees’ injured shoulderwasn’t picked overDaunte Culpepper’s injured knee. Pennington got hurt out the box in Year 2. Tannehill hurt his knee, and whatever odds he played in not having surgery didn’twork out.

Just when Tannehill’s careerwas lining up, he’s expected to have surgery and the Dolphins quarterback again feels like a starcrossed position. Now Cutler comes in and it’s a finger-crossed decision.

It’s not good or bad. It’s the best option as Gase sees it. He knows quarterbacks. He knows Cutler and Moore. He also knows early August isn’t a time to be looking for a starting quarterback.

dhyde@ sun-sentinel.com; On Twitter @davehydesports; When: Where: Tickets: Parking: General: Important: Open practice schedule: Today, Sunday, Aug. 14,