Unforgettable Moments in Miami Dolphins History

If you’re a Miami Dolphins fan, there are few things more memorable than celebrating the team’s incredible victories and cheering for their most legendary players. Since its founding in 1966, the franchise has provided fans with entertaining games and moments. From iconic Super Bowl performances to nail-biting finishes, many signature moments have been produced.

In this blog post, we look back at four unforgettable moments in Miami Dolphins’ history that many fans overlook. These performances will forever be remembered by all lucky enough to witness them firsthand.

Fiedler Clinches a Surprise Victory Over Raiders

Everyone (particularly Dolphins fans) likes to make a big deal out of the failures of Miami’s quarterback play after the departure of Dan Marino. Although Jay Fiedler was the team’s starting quarterback from 2000-2003, with a 35-17 record, he is seldom given any credit for his success.

Although Fiedler was usually a liability on offense, his unyielding toughness was on full display in Week 2 of the 2001 NFL season against the Oakland Raiders, the first game played after the Sept. 11 tragedy. The Dolphins were behind the Raiders by five points with 1:41 left in the fourth quarter.

Fiedler led Miami on a 10-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 96 seconds and ended with an audacious two-yard touchdown scramble. There was no significant background to this game; rather, it is a tribute to Fiedler and his often-overlooked time with the Dolphins.

Miami Stuns New England in 2004 Monday Night Showdown

The Dolphins played many meaningless games during the 2000s, but their “Monday Night Football” clash against the defending champion New England Patriots in 2004 stands out.

Going into the Week 12 showdown, Miami was 2-11 under interim head coach Jim Bates. The Patriots, however, had a near-perfect 12-1 record and an unbeatable formula. The Miami Dolphins odds were long, with Bill Belichick’s team going into the game as 10-point favorites.

While A.J. Feely led the offense for the ‘Fins, Jason Taylor showed why he should have Tom Brady’s number saved to his speed dial by wreaking havoc on the quarterback all night long. The Dolphins scored 12 points in the final 2:07 to rally and win a nail-biter, 29-28, against the eventual Super Bowl champions in one of the biggest upsets of the decade.

Ricky Williams’ Helps End the Jets’ Victory Run

The Dolphins had not beaten the New York Jets in the four seasons prior to the 2002 regular season, going 0-for-8. Perhaps it doesn’t seem too far-fetched initially, but picture yourself going four seasons without a victory against the Jets.

In Week 3 of the 2002 season, though, the Dolphins had a whole new weapon at their disposal in the form of Ricky Williams. Ricky ran wild through New York, gaining 151 yards and scoring on a 53-yard dash in a 30-3 thrashing of the Jets, ending the 8-game losing streak against their rival.

Lamar Smith Propels Miami to Triumph Over Colts

Lamar Smith would undoubtedly be near the top of the list if it were based on the greatest individual efforts of former players. The Dolphins hosted the Colts at Pro Player Stadium for the 2000 Wild Card Game, but trailed 17-10 in the final minutes.

With the help of Lamar Smith’s famous 40-carry, 209-yard effort, Miami put up a late rally, culminating in Jay Fiedler throwing the game-tying touchdown pass to tight end Jed Weaver from nine yards out. Then in overtime, Smith scored for the second time, ending the Colts’ season with a 17-yard dart into the end zone.