The Undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins (Part 1)

Yesterday's Sports

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EPISODE SUMMARY

Last week I wrote an article comparing the 1972 and 1973 Miami Dolphins. I concluded that the 1973 team was even better than the undefeated 1972 team. But in drawing that conclusion, I was in no way trying to diminish the accomplishments of the 1972 team. After all, it’s the only undefeated team in NFL history.

But when I made my comparison, I didn’t make it solely for a reason others advance about the ’72 Dolphins, who contend that the ’72 team succeeded primarily because it played an ‘easy schedule.’ While that may be true, they are not the only team in league history to have had an easy schedule.

How easy was it? To answer that question, let’s look at how another great team performed–the 1974–1976 Minnesota Vikings. I chose the Vikings because they went to two Super Bowls during those three years and compiled an outstanding regular-season record of 33–8–1 over 42 games.

How many of those 42 teams had a winning record? Only eight! And the Vikes’ record against those teams was a mere 4–3–1. How about their three-year post-season record? It was the same, 4–3. That’s an overall 3-year record of 8–6–1 against winning teams. Not that impressive!

You can read the full blog post here.

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YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

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Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)