Before the Dolphins add another chapter to their historic rivalry with the Patriots, take a trip through the archives. Through the years, Dolphins-Patriots matchups in Miami have featured defining moments and unforgettable performances. Revisit some memorable home matchups against New England through the years:
2018 | The Miami Miracle
In a back and forth affair, Miami's fate came down to one final play. With seven seconds remaining and the Dolphins trailing New England 33-28, Miami needed a miracle from its own 31-yard line. Ryan Tannehill completed a pass over the middle to Kenny Stills, who lateralled the ball to DeVante Parker before Parker pitched it to Kenyan Drake. Drake picked up several blocks, raced through the Patriots defense and into the end zone as time expired, completing a 69-yard touchdown and giving Miami a stunning 34-33 victory. The play sent shockwaves throughout the NFL and instantly became immortalized as the "Miami Miracle," one of the most iconic plays in franchise history and the Dolphins-Patriots rivalry.
1994 | Dan Marino's Return
After missing most of the 1993 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, Dan Marino made his return to the field against New England in the 1994 season opener. Marino and Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe engaged in a shootout, combining for 894 passing yards as the lead changed hands throughout the afternoon. Marino threw for 473 yards and five touchdowns, including three scores to former Patriot Irving Fryar. Facing fourth-and-5 late in the fourth quarter, Marino connected with Fryar for a 35-yard touchdown that put Miami ahead for good. The Dolphins held on for a thrilling 39-35 victory as Marino delivered one of the most memorable performances of his Hall of Fame career.
1972 | Dolphins Dominant 52-0 Shutout
The Dolphins continued their march toward perfection with one of the most dominant performances in franchise history, shutting out the Patriots, 52-0, at the Orange Bowl. Miami jumped out to a 31-0 halftime advantage behind three touchdown runs from Mercury Morris and another from Larry Csonka. The Dolphins never let up, as Marlin Briscoe caught two second-half touchdown passes before Jim Mandich capped Miami's scoring with a 39-yard touchdown reception. Miami totaled 482 yards while intercepting the Patriots three times and holding them to just 169 yards. The victory improved Miami to 9-0 on its way to completing the only perfect season in NFL history and remains New England's most lopsided loss in franchise history.
The Miami Dolphins marched to their most commanding victory of the season with a 52-0 shutout over the New England Patriots on November 12, 1972 at the Miami Orange Bowl.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich (88) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula after an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins runningback Larry Csonka (39) and runningback Mercury Morris (22) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins runningback Mercury Morris (22) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall (15) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Jim Del Gaizo (11) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Jim Del Gaizo (11) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 12th, 1972 in Miami, FL. (Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
Image from an NFL football game between the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 12, 1972 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 52-0. (Allen Photography/Miami Dolphins)
