Miami Dolphins: Most memorable Week 1 games since 2000

Miami Dolphins Memorable Week 1 Games:

2002 vs. Detroit Lions

When it came to the results in the win column, the transition after the retirement of Dan Marino wasn’t drastic for the Miami Dolphins. In fact, the team won 11 games in each of the two seasons following the 9 win campaign in the great quarterback’s final year.

But Ricky Williams was seen as a “savior” of sorts, a new offensive star at a position that was quickly taking over the league. He wasted no time getting off to an impressive start with his new team.

The Dolphins played host to the Detroit Lions to open the 2002 season, and it was the Ricky Show from the opening kickoff. Williams carried the ball 20 times for 111 yards, including two touchdowns, to add to Miami’s 49 points on the day. The point total was Miami’s highest since 1995, which was the only time in Marino’s career that his team scored as much.

Williams and the Dolphins were in full control of the game, so much so that Miami coach Dave Wannstedt didn’t give the running back a single touch after halfway through the third quarter. Had he played the entire game, Ricky might have had 200 yards and the Dolphins might have scored 60.