Top 10 NFL players that have dominated the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins had some success against Tom Brady but most of the time he owned them.
3. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots (2001-Present)
No other player has dominated the Dolphins quite like quarterback Tom Brady. In accumulating a 23-12 record, Brady set opposing team records for yards (8185), touchdowns (67), 300-yard passing game (8) and most TD passes in a single game (6),
Particularly gut-wrenching was his 27-24 victory in week 17 of the 2002 season that not only denied the Dolphins the division title but knocked them completely out of the playoffs that year.
Despite all the records/accolades, Brady only makes it to #3 on the list because it was all accomplished at a time when the Dolphins weren’t particularly relevant in the league.
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2. Jim Kelly, QB, Buffalo Bills (1986-96)
Kelly didn’t have gaudy stats against the Dolphins. His touchdown (24) to interception (19) ratio and his 12-8 record in the regular season don’t make him particularly noteworthy in the Dolphins history book.
However, it’s his exploits in the playoffs versus Miami that earned him the #2 ranking on this list. Kelly was 3-0 versus the Dolphins in the postseason; knocking them out in the Wildcard Round in 1995, the Divisional Round in the 1990 season and, most heartbreaking, the AFC Championship game to end the 1992 season.
1. Thurman Thomas, RB, Buffalo Bills (1988-98)
While the three other Bills on this list played key roles in the Bills’ domination of Miami, Thurman Thomas was probably the biggest reason the Dolphins didn’t make at least two more Super Bowl appearances during Dan Marino‘s career.
During 20 regular-season games, Thomas put up 1620 yards (most all-time versus the Dolphins) with a 4.45 yards-per-carry average and 8 touchdowns. Although it doesn’t seem possible, Thomas got better in the playoffs. In three playoff victories, Thomas averaged 123 yards rushing and upped his YPC to an astonishing 4.81 with four touchdowns.
So, do you agree with this list? If not, who would you have added or moved up/down the list?