There really isn't a question about the best team in Miami Dolphins history, because there also could be an argument made that this team is also the best in NFL history.
The 1972 Dolphins was just the franchise's seventh season, but there was high hope heading into the year. In 1971, the Dolphins finished with 10-3-1 record, so the belief was strong that 1972 could be special.
Led by coach Don Shula, quarterback Bob Griese and fullback Larry Csonka, the 1972 Dolphins team is still the lone squad in NFL history to have a perfect season.
The Dolphins opened up the year with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. In Week 2, the offense, led by Griese, put up 34 points against the Houston Oilers en route to an easy victory. Week 3 was one of the biggest scares for the Dolphins during the regular season. The Minnesota Vikings jumped out to a 7-0 lead, and Miami didn't score their first points until the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins put up 10 points, which was enough to win by two points.
Week 4 saw the Dolphins nab an easy victory over the New York Jets. During Week 5, however, things took a turn when Griese broke his ankle. Earl Morrall was a veteran when he took over but there were still concerns that the Dolphins' season could be over without their star quarterback. Miami still came away with a 24-10 victory.
In Week 6, Miami had another scare against the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins were down 13-7 at halftime, but scored 10 points in the third quarter and came away with the win.
Miami had no issues in Weeks 7, 8 or 9, with three blowout victories. In Week 9 the Dolphins put up 52 points over the New England Patriots. Morrall only had 13 pass attempts in that game which is even more impressive considering the high score. Backup quarterback Jim Del Gaizo even threw for 145 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins defense only gave up 169 yards.
The Dolphins won their last four games to close out the season, with the only real test coming against the Patriots, a game they won by only four points.
As impressive as the regular season was for Miami, each of their playoff games were truly challenging. In the Divisional round, the Dolphins faced off with the Cleveland Browns. Miami jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but let the Browns back into the game before scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to advance to the AFC Championship game.
Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Griese came in during the second half to save the season and advance Miami to the Super Bowl with a 21-17 victory. In Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins, the defense was the difference giving up only seven points. On offense, Csonka was the star of the show rushing 15 times for 112 yards. Griese only had to pass the ball 11 times, the team relying instead on the run game. The Dolphins won, 14-7, to cap off their perfect season.
That perfect season is still something that no other team has been able to accomplish. The Patriots got close in 2007, but they were knocked off in the Super Bowl by the New York Giants.
Having an undefeated season is quite the accomplishment, and who knows if it will ever happen again in the NFL. This Dolphins team is therefore easily the best in franchise history.
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