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Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Miami Dolphins had one of the craziest years in recent memory last season. Miami seemed to be on the rise after getting Brandon Marshall in a trade with the Broncos and having a young QB in Chad Henne. It all failed in 2010 and the Dolphins finished third in the AFC East with a 7-9 record and a 1-7 record at home, the worst in the league. In the 2011 draft Miami got C/G Mike Pouncey with the 15th overall pick, the brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. Now in 2011, head coach Tony Sparano looks to bring back the pride Dolphins used to have and the pride we will be today.
One of the longest tenured head coaches in NFL history, Don Shula is not only the greatest Dolphins head coach of all time but is also one of the greatest coaches in North American sports. Shula beacame Miami's head coach after the 1969 season and the team actually lost a first round pick because of the hire. The reason they lost the selection was because it violated the league's tampering charges that came into effect after the merger. If the deal had gotten done before the merger, the Dolphins could of still had their draft pick, but it didn't set the franchise back by any means. Shula was known for having excellent players early on in his career like Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, and Paul Warfield. In 1972, the Dolphins became the first ever team to ever go undefeated in a season after winning their first Super Bowl championship against the Washington Redskins 14-7. The team was able to defend their Super Bowl title the following season, but after that it was dry. Other then his two Super Bowl victories, Shula drafting Dan Marino was his greatest accomplishment. Shula might have the second best win-loss record in Dolphin history, but his adaptive philosophy is what makes him the greatest head coach in Dolphins history.
Considered one of the greatest QB's in NFL history, Dan Marino was drafted 27th overall in the famed 1983 Draft. Five other QB's were taken before Marino and only two (Jim Kelly and John Elway) had careers that were comparable to Marino's. In his 16 year career with the Dolphins, Marino went to nine Pro-Bowls, was a first team all pro three times, and was also a NFL MVP in 1984. More importantly for Marino, he was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2005 and is only one of three QB's in the Super Bowl era to not win a Super Bowl and be in the hall. After a disappointing rookie season, Marino broke six NFL passing records which includes 48 touchdown passes, 5,084 passing yards, and also won his only MVP. Miami finished with a AFC best record at 14-2 and Marino would play in his only Super Bowl after beating the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs. In Super Bowl XIX, which was supposed to be a epic QB battle between Marino and Joe Montana, the Dolphins only ran the ball eight times. Marino went 29-50 for 318 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions in a 38-16 loss. Even though the Dolphins were expected to get back to the big game in 1993, Marino suffered a season ending Achilles tendon injury. In Marino's first game back from that very painful injury, he palyed in one of the greatest QB's duels of all time. The Patriots Drew Bledsoe and Marino combined for 894 yards and nine passing touchdowns, the Dolphins won the game 39-35. In another game against a division rival, the New York Jets, Marino pulled off one of the trickiest plays in NFL histoy. After Marino led the Dolphins back from a 10-0 first half deficit, he faked a spike and threw a touchdown to give Miami the 28-24 win. Thanks to these major preformances, Marino was able to win the NFL's comeback player of the year award. Before the 2000 season, Marino retired and is unfairly criticized as a QB who could not win the big one. In my opinion, I would take the greatest Dolphin over many QB's who have won the big one. Click here to look at Marino's stats.
At his best, Jason Taylor was one of the greatest QB killas out there and to me is the ultimate draft steal in Miami Dolphins history. Taylor was selected by the Dolphins 73rd overall in the 1997 draft. So far in his 13 year NFL career, Taylor has been elected to six Pro Bowls, has been a first team all pro selection three times, and was the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year. Taylor's effort off the field with his foundation "Jason Taylor Reading Room" also helped him win the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2007. After you look back at Taylor's career, you will know that Taylor is a sure fire Hall of Famer. Taylor signed a four year $1.3 million in his rookie season and recorded five sacks and two forced fumbles. In 2006, arguably the best year in Taylor's career, he had 13.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions (both returned for touchdowns) on his way to winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. After a one year stint with the Washington Redskins, Taylor returned to the Dolphins and set the record for most fumle returns for touchdowns against the rival New York Jets. Even though Taylor would end up signing with the Jets, Taylor was a great defensive end even when the Dolphins weren't the best team and for that he gets the nod for the greatest draft steal in Miami's history. Click here to look at Taylor's stats.
Just like with John Elway, the Dolphins searched passionately for a running back to compliment Dan Marino's incredible skill. Miami thought they got that guy in the 1989 draft. With the ninth overall selection the Dolphins selected Sammie Smith out of Florida State. Smith's only accomplishment as a running back in the NFL was leading the Dolphins in rushing two different seasons (1989 and 1990). Other then that, Smith averaged just below 3.7 yards and had to endure "Sammie Sucks" chants by fans over his short three year career with the Dolphins. The draft in 1989 really did not have that much depth at running back and the Dolphins were at a tough spot at #9. The reason being because future Hall of Famers Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, and Deion Sanders were picked just before Smith. Someone the Dolphins could of taken with that pick was WR Andre Rison or even RB Bobby Humphrey who had six combined Pro Bowl apperances. Even though Miami missed on a running back this time, they now have a solid duo of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Well 11 years to late. Click here to look at Smith's stats.
Wether you love them or hate them (if you hate them, why are you here?) you can't argue that the Dolphins 1972 season is the greatest in NFL history and one of the greatest in sports history. Even though the Dolphins might of had a "soft" schedule, they had enough composure to go all the way and win every single game they played. Legends like Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, and Don Shula helped the Dolphins accomplish this incredible feat and even to this day they get together to celebrate this accomplishment. Probably the teams biggest celebration came when the 18-0 Patriots lost to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. I don't think we will ever see a team go undefeated ever again, so the '72 Dolphins can celebrate to the grave. This season made Don Shula the legend he is today and the Dolphins into one of the most historic franchises in NFL history.
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