The Perfect Game vs. Cleveland Browns
The only perfect season in NFL history.
The 1972 Miami Dolphins season was the franchise's seventh season and third in the National Football League (NFL). The team was led by third-year head coach Don Shula and achieved the only perfect season in NFL history (and only the second perfect season in professional football history after the 1948 Cleveland Browns). It also led the league in both points scored and fewest points allowed.
Quick Facts
- Date
- December 8, 1972
- Location
- Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
- Opponent
- Cleveland Browns
- Final score
- Dolphins 35, Browns 0
- Key statistic
- One of many shutouts in NFL history, but a key part of the Dolphins' undefeated 17-0 season
- Super bowl context
- Part of the Dolphins' undefeated 17-0 season
Lore & Background
The 1972 Dolphins ranked number 1 on the 100 greatest teams of all time by the NFL on its 100th anniversary. The team's early-1970s defensive unit was termed the 'No-Name Defense' by Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry. The defense was led by linebacker Nick Buoniconti, end Bill Stanfill, tackle Manny Fernandez, and safeties Dick Anderson and Jake Scott.
Reader's Guide
The Dolphins went 14–0 in the regular season and won all three postseason games to finish 17–0. Starting quarterback Bob Griese broke his ankle in week 5, leaving backup Earl Morrall to start the remainder of the regular season, though Griese relieved Morrall in the second half of the AFC Championship Game and started Super Bowl VII. Running backs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris became the first teammates to each rush for 1,000 yards in a season.
Did You Know?
- Miami led the league in total offense, total defense, scoring offense, and scoring defense, the only team ever to do so.
- Three other teams reached the NFL's title game undefeated and untied but lost the championship: the Chicago Bears in 1934 and 1942 and the New England Patriots in 2007.
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