30 Facts About Patriots Vs. Dolphins

Patriots vs. Dolphins: A Storied Rivalry

The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins have one of the most fascinating rivalries in the NFL. From legendary games to unforgettable moments, this matchup never disappoints. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about these two teams.

Historical Highlights

The history between the Patriots and Dolphins is rich with memorable events and milestones.

1. The first game between the Patriots and Dolphins took place on September 22, 1966. The Dolphins won 24-7.
2. Miami Dolphins hold the record for the longest winning streak in this rivalry, with 9 consecutive wins from 1970 to 1974.
3. The Patriots' largest margin of victory over the Dolphins came on October 21, 2007, with a 49-28 win.
4. The Dolphins' biggest win against the Patriots was a 52-0 blowout on November 12, 1972.
5. The Patriots and Dolphins have faced each other over 110 times, making it one of the most played matchups in NFL history.

Iconic Players

Both teams have had their share of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the rivalry.

6. Dan Marino, the Dolphins' Hall of Fame quarterback, threw for over 8,000 yards against the Patriots during his career.
7. Tom Brady, the Patriots' iconic quarterback, has more wins against the Dolphins than any other quarterback in NFL history.
8. Larry Csonka, a key player for the Dolphins, rushed for over 1,000 yards in games against the Patriots.
9. Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots' star tight end, scored 12 touchdowns against the Dolphins, the most by any tight end in this rivalry.
10. Jason Taylor, a dominant defensive end for the Dolphins, recorded 14 sacks against the Patriots.

Memorable Games

Certain games between these two teams have become legendary for their drama and excitement.

11. The "Snowplow Game" on December 12, 1982, saw the Patriots win 3-0 after a snowplow cleared a spot for a field goal.
12. The "Monday Night Miracle" on October 23, 2000, featured the Dolphins overcoming a 10-point deficit to win 31-30.
13. The "Wildcat Game" on September 21, 2008, saw the Dolphins use the Wildcat formation to shock the Patriots with a 38-13 victory.
14. On December 29, 2019, the Dolphins upset the Patriots 27-24, costing New England a first-round bye in the playoffs.
15. The "Miracle in Miami" on December 9, 2018, featured a last-second, multi-lateral play that gave the Dolphins a stunning 34-33 victory.

Coaching Legends

The rivalry has also been shaped by some of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

16. Don Shula, the legendary Dolphins coach, holds the record for the most wins against the Patriots with 27.
17. Bill Belichick, the Patriots' head coach, has the most wins against the Dolphins with 26.
18. Nick Saban, before becoming a college football legend, coached the Dolphins for two seasons, facing the Patriots four times.
19. Chuck Fairbanks, who coached the Patriots from 1973 to 1978, had a 6-6 record against the Dolphins.
20. Jimmy Johnson, who coached the Dolphins from 1996 to 1999, had a 4-4 record against the Patriots.

Statistical Standouts

Numbers often tell the story of a rivalry, and the Patriots vs. Dolphins matchup is no exception.

21. The Patriots have scored over 2,500 points against the Dolphins in their matchups.
22. The Dolphins have scored over 2,300 points against the Patriots.
23. The Patriots have more home wins against the Dolphins, with a record of 38-18.
24. The Dolphins have a better record at home against the Patriots, with 36 wins to 19 losses.
25. The Patriots have won 11 out of the last 15 games against the Dolphins.

Fan Moments

Fans of both teams have experienced unforgettable moments that have defined this rivalry.

26. Patriots fans often recall the 2003 game where New England clinched the AFC East title with a 12-0 win over Miami in a snowstorm.
27. Dolphins fans cherish the 1985 game where Miami handed the Patriots their only loss of the season with a 30-27 victory.
28. The 2002 game where the Patriots came back from a 24-13 deficit to win 27-24 in overtime is a favorite among New England supporters.
29. Miami fans remember the 1994 game where Dan Marino's fake spike play led to a 28-24 win over the Jets, a moment that also stung Patriots fans.
30. The 2017 game where the Dolphins defeated the Patriots 27-20 on Monday Night Football is a recent highlight for Miami supporters.

The Final Whistle

Patriots vs. Dolphins games always bring excitement and drama. From historic rivalries to unforgettable moments, these matchups never fail to entertain. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good football game, there's always something to look forward to when these two teams clash.

The Patriots, with their storied history and numerous championships, always bring their A-game. The Dolphins, known for their resilience and iconic moments, never back down. This rivalry showcases the best of football, blending skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

Next time these teams meet, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the history and significance behind every play. So grab your jersey, gather your friends, and get ready for another thrilling chapter in the Patriots vs. Dolphins saga. Football fans, this is what it's all about!