The Miami Dolphins, established in 1965, have had plenty of time for some great teams to emerge over the course of the NFL franchise's history. Most of the great Dolphins teams are from the first couple of decades in the league, however.
Let's breakdown the five greatest Fins teams in franchise history.
1971
The 1971 Dolphins team gave fans hopes, and really kicked off the start of a dynasty. Coach Don Shula was in his second year in charge. The Dolphins finished the regular season with a 10-3-1 record. Once the postseason rolled around, the success continued. In the AFC Championship Game, they played one of the most impressive games in franchise history up to that point. The defense was strong against Baltimore not giving up a point. In the Super Bowl, the Dolphins' offense let them down scoring only three points. As disappointing as the loss was, they would make up for it the next couple of seasons.
1984
The 1984 team was special, but it all came crashing down during the Super Bowl. Miami finished the regular season with a 14-2 record, winning the AFC East. Dan Marino had one of the best years of his career throwing for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns. In the first two games of the playoffs, the Dolphins dominated, but the San Francisco 49ers were too much in the Super Bowl. The defense gave up 38 points, something the offense couldn't overcome. If this team would have won a Super Bowl, there could be an argument made it was the second-best team in history.
1982
The 1982 season was shortened by a strike, but it was still a very successful year for the Dolphins. The 1982 season was unique for Miami because of their use of two quarterbacks. David Woodley and Don Strock both had plenty of playing time under center for the Dolphins. The Fins' defense in 1982 was also elite. In six of their seven games, the Dolphins gave up 20 points or less, and the only game they gave up more they gave up 28. In the two losses the Dolphins gave up only 23 points total. In Super Bowl XVII, the Washington Redskins knocked off the Dolphins 27-17.
1973
In terms of talent, the 1973 Dolphins team might be the most talented team in franchise history, but they did lose twice during the regular season. Miami lost in Week 2 and Week 13 when the offense let them down. In those two games, the Dolphins gave up only 28 points total. All season long the Dolphins dominated, and the offense was a balanced attack. In the playoffs it was all about domination for the Dolphins. In the Super Bowl, the Dolphins faced off with the Minnesota Vikings. Miami's defense flexed its muscles giving up only seven points. Those seven points came in the fourth quarter, and the Dolphins had another Super Bowl victory.
1972
Is there really any doubt about the greatest Dolphins team in history? Miami is still the only team in NFL history that had a perfect season. Led by Coach Shula and quarterback Bob Griese, Miami didn't even have too many challenges. The most impressive win of the regular season was in Week 9 against the New England Patriots. The Dolphins put up 52 points and the defense pitched a shutout. In the playoffs, the Fins' wins weren't really dominant, but they did what they had to for victories. In the divisional round they beat the Cleveland Browns by six points, following that up with a four-point win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.
In the Super Bowl VII, the Dolphins beat the Redskins 14-7 to secure the perfect season. Many have tried but no one since has been able to replicate the perfect season.
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