New England Patriots Vs. Miami Dolphins: History
By Eric Roddy
This Sunday, the Miami Dolphins will face the New England Patriots for the 95th time in the history of their rivalry. The Dolphins currently boast a 50-44 edge over their division rivals, and the ‘Phins are coming off a win over Tom Brady and the Pats in the two teams’ most recent meeting.
In Week 15 last season, the Dolphins notched a 24-20 home victory over the Pats in what was at the time a crucial victory for Miami’s playoff chances. ‘Fins QB Ryan Tannehill simply outplayed veteran QB Tom Brady, throwing for 312 yards and 3 scores. The game ended on the final 4th down play in the Dolphins’ red zone, where Tom Brady lofted a deep ball in the end zone that was intercepted by recently signed safety Michael Thomas, who earlier that week was picked up by Miami off of San Francisco’s practice squad.
Following that huge upset victory over the Pats, the Dolphins needed just one win in two weeks to reach the playoffs. They fizzled tremendously the following game against the Bills before completely coming undone offensively in Week 17 at home against the Jets. After such an emotional and energizing win, the Dolphins failed to put more than 7 points on the board in two weeks, and missed the playoffs yet again.
A lot has changed since the last Dolphins-Patriots meeting. The Dolphins have five new offensive starters (and a new coordinator) and more firepower at both the receiver and running back positions. The Pats still have questions in terms of their offensive support for Tom Brady, yet boast a healthier and more athletic defense, including free-agent signee CB Darrelle Revis. Both revamped lineups should provide a close and interesting match up.
More history on the rivalry:
The first ever meeting between the two teams was in 1966 at the Miami Orange Bowl, New England won 20-14.
New England leads the playoff series 2-1, and the latest playoff match-up was a 17-3 Patriots victory in Foxboro in 1997.
The Dolphins have won two Super Bowls (1972, 1973), while the Patriots have won all three in the last 15 years (2001, 2003, 2004).
The Dolphins are still the only team ever to win every regular season game and win the Super Bowl in the same year. The next closest team? New England, who finished a perfect 16-0 in the regular season, yet failed to win Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants. The miracle “helmet” catch by David Tyree prevented the Patriots from sharing the Dolphins’ most historic and famous mark.
FINS UP!