Dolphins vs. Patriots: A History of Rivalry and Dominance

A Tale of Two Teams

The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are two of the most successful teams in NFL history, with a combined 11 Super Bowl appearances and six championships. Their rivalry is one of the most heated in the league, with both teams playing in the same division (AFC East) since 1960.

The Early Years

The Dolphins and Patriots first met in 1966, with the Patriots winning 20-7. The Dolphins got their revenge the following year, winning 24-14. The rivalry remained relatively even in the early years, with the Patriots holding a slight edge in the series.

The Dolphins' Dominance

In the 1970s, the Dolphins became one of the most dominant teams in NFL history, winning two Super Bowls and going undefeated in the 1972 season. The Patriots, on the other hand, struggled during this period, posting just one winning season in the decade.

The Patriots' Resurgence

In the 2000s, the Patriots became the dominant team in the AFC East, winning six Super Bowls and appearing in nine AFC Championship Games. The Dolphins, meanwhile, struggled to maintain consistency, posting just one winning season in the decade.

Recent Years

In recent years, the rivalry has been more competitive, with the Dolphins and Patriots splitting the series in recent seasons. Both teams have made the playoffs in recent years, but neither has been able to reach the Super Bowl since the Patriots' victory in Super Bowl LI.

Memorable Moments

Over the years, there have been many memorable moments in the Dolphins-Patriots rivalry. Some of the most notable include: * The "Snowplow Game" in 1982, in which the Patriots used a snowplow to clear a path for their kicker to attempt a game-winning field goal in a blizzard. * The "Miracle in Miami" in 1985, in which the Dolphins scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes to defeat the Patriots and clinch a playoff berth. * The "Tuck Rule" game in 2001, in which the Patriots won a controversial playoff game against the Raiders after a fumble by Tom Brady was overturned.

By the Numbers

The Dolphins and Patriots have played a total of 115 games, with the Patriots holding a slight edge in the series with a record of 62-52-1. The Patriots have also won the last three meetings between the two teams. The Dolphins and Patriots are two of the most storied franchises in NFL history. Their rivalry is one of the most heated and competitive in the league, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.