Pro Football Championship 7 - Dolphins - Redskins

Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 7, a game that would go down in history as the culmination of perfection and the crowning achievement of one of the greatest teams in NFL history. This matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins took place on January 14, 1973, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become known as the completion of the only perfect season in NFL history. The 1972 NFL season was a year of dominance for the Miami Dolphins. Led by head coach Don Shula, the Dolphins had achieved something unprecedented in the modern era of professional football: a perfect regular season. They entered the playoffs with a 14 and 0 record and continued their winning streak through the AFC Championship game, setting the stage for a potential perfect season if they could emerge victorious in Super Bowl 7 the Dolphins' journey to Super Bowl 7 was nothing short of remarkable. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, featuring a balanced attack that could beat opponents on the ground or through the air. The team's success was built on a foundation of exceptional talent and coaching, with several future Hall of Famers playing key roles. At quarterback, the Dolphins had Bob Greasy, a precise passer who excelled in Shula's ball-control offense. However, Greasy had suffered an ankle injury early in the season and was replaced by veteran Earl Morrall for much of the year. Morrall, who had previously led the Baltimore Colts to Super Bowl 3, performed admirably in Greasy’s absence, helping to guide the team through their perfect regular season. The true strength of the Dolphins' offense, however, was their running game. The backfield trio of Larry Zonka, Jim Kiick, and Mercury Morris, nicknamed "The Perfect Backfield," was a force to be reckoned with. Zonka, a bruising fullback, was the team's leading rusher and a future Hall of Famer. Kiick was a versatile back who could run and catch passes out of the backfield, while Morris provided speed and big-play ability.  The Dolphins' offensive line, anchored by future Hall of Famers Jim Langer at center and Larry Little at guard, was one of the best in the league. They consistently opened holes for the running backs and provided excellent protection for the quarterbacks. On defense, the Dolphins were equally formidable. Known as the "No-Name Defense" due to their lack of star power, this unit was nonetheless one of the best in the NFL. Led by middle linebacker Nick Buoniconti, another future Hall of Famer, the Dolphins' defense had shut down opponents all season long. Safety Jake Scott and defensive end Bill Stanfill were other key contributors to this stingy unit. On the other side of the field were the Washington Redskins, representing the NFC. Led by head coach George Allen, the Redskins had finished the regular season with an 11 and 3 record and had defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game to reach Super Bowl 7. The Redskins' offense was led by quarterback Billy Kilmer, a gritty veteran known for his toughness and leadership. Kilmer's favorite target was wide receiver Charley Taylor, a future Hall of Famer who had transitioned from running back earlier in his career. The Redskins' running game was anchored by Larry Brown, who had been named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 1972 season. On defense, the Redskins boasted a unit nicknamed the "Over-the-Hill Gang" due to the advanced age of many of its players. This experienced group was led by linebacker Chris Hanburger, another future Hall of Famer, and featured other standouts like defensive tackle Diron Talbert and safety Brig Owens. As game day approached, the Dolphins were favored, but many expected a close, competitive game. The Redskins were seen as a tough, experienced team that wouldn't be intimidated by the Dolphins' perfect record. The stage was set for what promised to be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Dolphins received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Redskins' first possession showed promise, with Kilmer completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Washington was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian connected on a 28-yard field goal, giving Miami a 3 to zero lead. This score was set up by a 20-yard run from Mercury Morris, showcasing the explosive potential of the Dolphins' running game. The Redskins tried to respond quickly, but their drive was cut short when Kilmer's pass was intercepted by Dolphins cornerback Tim Foley. Miami capitalized on this turnover, putting together a drive that culminated in a 28-yard touchdown p