MIAMI -- More than two dozen frustrated fans gathered outside the Miami Dolphins' complex Tuesday to protest the way the team is being run, and the spectacle moved beleaguered general manager Jeff Ireland to act.

The notoriously media-shy Bill Parcells protege telephoned several reporters and sought to explain a series of decisions and misadventures that have drawn national ridicule.

"I'm not naive to the fact of what's out there," he told The Associated Press as fans protested across the street. The attempt at damage control was the latest surprising turn in a bizarre sequence of events for Ireland and the Dolphins.

Among the fans who gathered at team headquarters at midday, several wore bags over their heads, and others held signs that read "FIRELAND." They were mostly upset about a succession of setbacks involving quarterbacks since free agency began a week ago.

Ireland insisted he's not disappointed with the way Miami's shopping has gone. He said his moves shouldn't be judged until the offseason is over, and he asked fans for patience.

"We're only halfway through the process," he said. "It includes the draft and more free agency."

But the protest has been a long time coming. The Dolphins last won a playoff game 11 years ago, and with a 6-10 finish in 2011, they've endured three consecutive losing seasons for the first time since the 1960s.

It's humble stuff for the franchise of Dan Marino, Don Shula and the

perfect season. And lately things have gone from bad to worse.

Owner Stephen Ross stressed that the top offseason priority was to upgrade at quarterback, and two weeks ago the Dolphins were considered the favorites to sign Peyton Manning. They finished fourth among four finalists.

The Dolphins were then regarded as the front-runners for Green Bay Packers backup Matt Flynn, but after visiting Miami, he opted for the Seattle Seahawks. Ireland then brought in Alex Smith for a visit, and when it appeared he would instead remain with the San Francisco 49ers, Miami signed David Garrard, who didn't play anywhere in 2011.

"The batting average is never going to be 1.000," Ireland said. "There are 31 other teams doing the same thing. It's a very competitive environment. When it comes to the quarterback position, there are only a few out there. ... I'd rather go to the effort to add players like Peyton Manning, even if it doesn't work out. I don't apologize for going out and trying to get Peyton."