The Dolphins will face the Detroit Lions for just the 14th regular-season matchup between the two franchises. Despite the limited history, the series has consistently produced memorable and often record-breaking games. Read more below:
2002 | Ricky Williams' Dolphins Debut
After being acquired from New Orleans in the offseason, running back Ricky Williams made an immediate impact in his Dolphins debut against Detroit. Williams rushed for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns while Jay Fiedler tossed three touchdown passes as Miami rolled to a 49-21 victory in the season opener. Miami's 49 points were its second-highest scoring in a season opener, while the victory extended the Dolphins' season-opening winning streak to 11 games, the second-longest such streak in NFL history at the time. Williams' impressive debut would kickstart his record-breaking season in which he ran for 1,853 yards, which remains the most in a single season in Dolphins history.
Check out selects from the 2008 season when running back Ricky Williams made his debut for the Dolphins, rushing for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
Historical Miami Dolphins action images during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Sept. 8, 2002 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dave Cross/Miami Dolphins)
1994 | Clinch on Christmas
The Dolphins celebrated Christmas 1994 with a division championship, defeating the Lions 27-20 at Joe Robbie Stadium to clinch the AFC East title. Bernie Parmalee provided the scoring punch for Miami, rushing for 3 touchdowns in the first half as the Dolphins built a 27-10 halftime advantage. Dan Marino completed 26 of 35 passes for 285 yards, while Miami's defense intercepted Detroit quarterback Dave Krieg twice and sacked him five times. The win also marked Don Shula's 319th regular-season victory, moving him past George Halas of Chicago for the most regular-season coaching wins in NFL history at the time and adding another milestone to Shula's legendary career.
1973 | Paul Warfield's Dominant Day
In their final regular-season game before beginning their run to a second consecutive Super Bowl title and the first ever matchup between Miami and Detroit, the Dolphins delivered a dominant 34-7 victory over the Lions at the Orange Bowl. Bob Griese and Paul Warfield connected early and often, as Warfield caught 4 touchdown passes in the first half. He finished with 6 receptions for 103 yards and set a Dolphins single-game record with 4 receiving touchdowns. Griese completed 11 of 15 passes for 141 yards and four scores as Miami built a 31-0 halftime advantage. The victory capped a 12-2 regular season before the Dolphins went on to win Super Bowl VIII and claim their second straight championship.
