The 1972 Miami Dolphins: Unparalleled Perfection

Fifty years ago, Don Shula coached a team with a ferocious running game, a backup quarterback and a “No-Name Defense” to the only perfect season in NFL history. Fifty years later, those 1972 Miami Dolphins are not universally regarded as the greatest team ever, despite finishing 17-0 with the league’s No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense. Their critics claim the Dolphins weren’t as good as Terry Bradshaw’s Steelers, Joe Montana’s 49ers or Tom Brady’s Patriots, among others. Their schedule was too soft, naysayers nay say. Heck, even the Super Bowl VII triumph that capped a campaign without a blemish…