1973 Miami Dolphins season

Although the Dolphins were unable to match their 17–0 perfect season of 1972, many{{who|date=September 2019}} sports writers, fans, and Dolphins players themselves felt that the 1973 team was better. While the 1972 team faced no competition in the regular season that had a record of better than 8-6 and/or .500, the 1973 team played against a much tougher schedule that included games against the Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys (all playoff teams), plus two games against a resurgent Bills squad that featured 2,000-yard rusher O. J. Simpson, and a Cleveland Browns team that finished over .500. Miami finished with a 12–2 regular season, including their opening game victory over the defending 1972 NFC West champions, the San Francisco 49ers that tied an NFL record with eighteen consecutive wins. The Dolphins' streak ended in week two with a 12–7 loss to the Raiders in Berkeley, California.

Just like the two previous seasons, Miami's offense relied primarily on their rushing attack. Fullback Larry Csonka recorded his third consecutive 1,000 rushing yard season (1,003 yards), while running back Mercury Morris rushed for 954 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, while leading the league with 6.4 yards per carry. Running back Jim Kiick was also a key contributor, rushing for 257 yards, and catching 27 passes for 208 yards. Quarterback Bob Griese, the AFC's second leading passer, completed only 116 passes for 1,422 yards, but threw about twice as many touchdown passes (17) as interceptions (8), and earned an 84.3 passer rating. Wide receiver Paul Warfield remained the main deep threat on the team, catching 29 passes for 514 yards and 11 touchdowns. The offensive line remained strong led by center Jim Langer and right guard Larry Little. Griese, Csonka, Warfield, Langer, and Little would all eventually be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Miami's "No Name Defense" continued to dominate their opponents. Future Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti recovered three fumbles and returned one for a touchdown. Safety Dick Anderson led the team with eight interceptions, which he returned for 163 yards and two touchdowns. And safety Jake Scott, the previous season's Super Bowl MVP, had four interceptions and 71 return yards. The Dolphins were still using their "53" defense devised at the beginning of the 1972 season, where Bob Matheson (#53) would be brought in as a fourth linebacker in a 3–4 defense, with Manny Fernandez at nose tackle. Matheson could either rush the quarterback or drop back into coverage.

In 2007, ESPN.com ranked the 1973 Dolphins as the eight-greatest defense in NFL history,[https://www.espn.com/page2/s/list/bestNFLdefense.html The List: Best NFL defense of all-time, 2007] noting that the team "held 11 opponents to 14 points or less, setting a record by allowing just 150 points in a 14-game season". Defensive end Bill Stanfill set a Dolphins' sack record that still stands, with 18.5. In the playoffs and Super Bowl, they allowed only 33 points against Cincinnati, Oakland and Minnesota. Stanfill, Manny Fernandez, Hall of Fame middle linebacker Nick Buoniconti, and safeties Dick Anderson (AP Defensive Player of the Year) and Jake Scott were all named to the 1973 All-Pro team. They also held record-breaking rusher O. J. Simpson to his lowest total yardage of the season, a mere 55 yards in Week Six.

To date, the 1973 Miami Dolphins remain one of two teams (the 2019 Baltimore Ravens being the other) in NFL history with 12 players on their roster to be selected for the Pro Bowl.

{{main|1973 NFL draft}}

{{NFL team draft start

| year = 1973

| teamname = Miami Dolphins

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 2

| pick = 52

| player = Chuck Bradley

| position = TE

| college = Oregon

| notes = Placed on IR

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 3

| pick = 78

| player = Leon Gray

| position = OT

| college = Jackson State

| notes = Released, signed with New England Patriots

| probowl = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 4

| pick = 104

| player = Bo Rather

| position = WR

| college = Michigan

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 5

| pick = 111

| player = Don Strock

| position = QB

| college = Virginia Tech

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 5

| pick = 130

| player = Dave McCurry

| position = DB

| college = Iowa State

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 6

| pick = 156

| player = Ed Newman

| position = OG

| college = Duke

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

| probowl = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 7

| pick = 160

| player = Kevin Reilly

| position = LB

| college = Villanova

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 7

| pick = 163

| player = Benny Shepherd

| position = RB

| college = Arkansas Tech

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 7

| pick = 178

| player = Willie Hatter

| position = WR

| college = Northern Illinois

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 7

| pick = 182

| player = Thomas Smith

| position = FB

| college = Miami (FL)

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 8

| pick = 208

| player = Archie Pearmon

| position = DE

| college = Northeast Oklahoma

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 9

| pick = 234

| player = Karl Lorch

| position = DT

| college = USC

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 10

| pick = 260

| player = Ron Fernandes

| position = DE

| college = Eastern Michigan

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 11

| pick = 286

| player = Chris Kete

| position = C

| college = Boston University

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 12

| pick = 312

| player = Mike Mullen

| position = LB

| college = Tulane

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 13

| pick = 338

| player = Joe Booker

| position = RB

| college = Miami (OH)

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 14

| pick = 364

| player = Greg Boyd

| position = RB

| college = Arizona

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 15

| pick = 389

| player = Bill Palmer

| position = TE

| college = St. Thomas

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 16

| pick = 416

| player = James Jackson

| position = DE

| college = Norfolk State

| notes =

}}

{{NFL team draft entry

| round = 17

| pick = 442This last selection is commonly referred to as Mr. Irrelevant.

| player = Charlie Wade

| position = WR

| college = Tennessee State

| notes =

| maderoster = yes

}}

{{NFL team draft end

| hof = no

}}

{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1973_draft.htm |title=1973 Miami Dolphins draftees |work=Pro-Football-Reference.com |access-date=October 18, 2014 }}

{{NFL final staff

| year = 1973

| team = Miami Dolphins

| front_office =

• President – Joe Robbie
• Vice president – Don Shula
• Director of player personnel – Bobby Beathard

| head_coach =

• Head coach – Don Shula

| offensive =

• Offense – Bill McPeak
• Offensive backs – Carl Taseff
• Offensive line – Monte Clark

| defensive =

• Assistant head coach/defense – Bill Arnsparger
• Defensive line – Mike Scarry
• Defensive backs – Tom Keane

| Special Teams Coaches =

• None - N/A

| Strength and Conditioning =

• None - N/A

}}{{cite web|url=https://www.profootballarchives.com/1973nflmia.html|title=1973 Miami Dolphins (NFL) Scores, Roster, Stats , Coaches, Draft|work=profootballarchives.com}}

{{NFL season roster

| year = 1973

| team = Miami Dolphins

| quarterbacks =

{{NFLplayer|12|Bob Griese}}

{{NFLplayer|15|Earl Morrall}}

{{NFLplayer|10|Don Strock}}

| running_backs =

{{NFLplayer|22|Mercury Morris}}

{{NFLplayer|39|Larry Csonka|FB}}

{{NFLplayer|32|Hubert Ginn}}

{{NFLplayer|21|Jim Kiick}}

{{NFLplayer|23|Charles Leigh|d=American football|FB}}

{{NFLplayer|36|Don Nottingham}}

{{NFLplayer|29|Tom Smith|d=American football|FB}}

| wide_receivers =

{{NFLplayer|86|Marlin Briscoe}}

{{NFLplayer|42|Paul Warfield}}

{{NFLplayer|82|Bo Rather}}

{{NFLplayer|34|Ron Sellers}}

{{NFLplayer|81|Howard Twilley}}

| tight_ends =

{{NFLplayer|80|Marv Fleming}}

{{NFLplayer|88|Jim Mandich}}

| offensive_linemen =

{{NFLplayer|79|Wayne Moore|d=American football|OT}}

{{NFLplayer|67|Bob Kuechenberg|OG}}

{{NFLplayer|62|Jim Langer|C}}

{{NFLplayer|66|Larry Little|OG}}

{{NFLplayer|73|Norm Evans|OT}}

{{NFLplayer|77|Doug Crusan|OT}}

{{NFLplayer|55|Irv Goode|OG}}

{{NFLplayer|64|Ed Newman|OG}}

{{NFLplayer|76|Willie Young|d=offensive tackle, born 1947|OT}}

| defensive_linemen =

{{NFLplayer|83|Vern Den Herder|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|75|Manny Fernandez|d=American football|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|72|Bob Heinz|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|84|Bill Stanfill|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|68|Ron Berger|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|65|Maulty Moore|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|70|Larry Woods|DE}}

| linebackers =

{{NFLplayer|59|Doug Swift}}

{{NFLplayer|85|Nick Buoniconti}}

{{NFLplayer|57|Mike Kolen}}

{{NFLplayer|51|Larry Ball}}

{{NFLplayer|58|Bruce Bannon|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|53|Bob Matheson}}

{{NFLplayer|56|Jesse Powell|d=American football}}

| defensive_back =

{{NFLplayer|25|Tim Foley|d=defensive back|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|45|Curtis Johnson|d=cornerback|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|13|Jake Scott|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|40|Dick Anderson|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|49|Charlie Babb|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|26|Lloyd Mumphord|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|48|Henry Stuckey|CB}}

| special_teams =

{{NFLplayer|1|Garo Yepremian|K}}

{{NFLplayer|20|Larry Seiple|P}}

| reserve_lists =

{{NFLplayer|--|Chuck Bradley|d=tight end|rookie=y|C|IR}}

| practice_squad =

{{NFLplayer|10|Don Strock|rookie=y|QB}}

}}

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=49ers

|V1=3 |V2=7 |V3=3 |V4=0

|Host=Dolphins

|H1=3 |H2=3 |H3=0 |H4=15

|Date=September 16

|Location=Orange Bowl

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather={{convert|92|F}}; wind {{convert|8|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Jim Tunney

|TVAnnouncers=Jack Whitaker and Wayne Walker

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team= SF|Event= Gossett 47 yard field goal |Score=SF 3–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 31 yard field goal |Score=Tie 3–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 53 yard field goal |Score=MIA 6–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=SF |Event=Washington 3 yard run (Gossett kick) |Score=SF 10–6 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team= SF|Event=Gossett 30 yard field goal |Score=SF 13–6 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team= MIA|Event=Warfield 10 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score= Tie 13–13|LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q4|Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Yepremian 45 yard field goal |Score=MIA 16–13 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q4|Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Safety, Wittum tackled by Johnson in end zone |Score=MIA 18–13 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q4|Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Yepremian 22 yard field goal|Score=MIA 21–13 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins - September 16th, 1973 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309160mia.htm |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}

{{Clear}}

{{See also|1973 Oakland Raiders season}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|bg=

|bg2=

|titlestyle={{Gridiron primary style|Miami Dolphins|year=1973|border=2}}; text-align:center

|state=collapsed

|title=Week Two: Miami Dolphins (1–0) at Oakland Raiders (0–1)

|date=September 23

|time=4:00 p.m.

|road=Dolphins

|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=7

|home=Raiders

|H1=3 |H2=3 |H3=3 |H4=3

|stadium=Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, California

|attendance=74,121

|weather={{Convert|62|F|C}}

|referee=Norm Schachter

|TV=NBC

|TVAnnouncers=Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis

|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309230rai.htm Box Score]

|scoring=

First quarter

• OAK – George Blanda 12-yard field goal. Raiders 3–0. Drive:

Second quarter

• OAK – George Blanda 46-yard field goal. Raiders 6–0. Drive:

Third quarter

• OAK – George Blanda 19-yard field goal. Raiders 9–0. Drive:

Fourth quarter

• OAK – George Blanda 10-yard field goal. Raiders 12–0. Drive:
• MIA – Jim Mandich 28-yard pass from Bob Griese (Garo Yepremian kick). Raiders 12–7. Drive:

|stats=

;Top passers

• MIA – Bob Griese – 12/25, 90 yards, TD
• OAK – Daryle Lamonica – 7/10, 63 yards, INT

;Top rushers

• MIA – Mercury Morris – 7 rushes, 48 yards
• OAK – Marv Hubbard – 20 rushes, 88 yards

;Top receivers

• MIA – Jim Mandich – 2 receptions, 38 yards, TD
• OAK – Fred Biletnikoff – 3 receptions, 36 yards

}}

The Raiders became the first team to defeat Miami since Super Bowl VI. The game was played at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley due to a scheduling conflict at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum with the A's.{{cite news |last1=Koppett |first1=Leonard |title=Blanda Kicks End Dolphin String, 12‐7 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/24/archives/blanda-kicks-end-dolphin-string-127-blandas-4-kicks-beat-dolphins.html |access-date=12 February 2022 |work=New York Times |date=September 24, 1973}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Jets

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=3

|Host=Dolphins

|H1=14 |H2=10 |H3=7 |H4=0

|Date=October 7

|Location=Orange Bowl

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather={{convert|80|F}}; wind {{convert|6|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Chuck Heberling

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Morris 3 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 7–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team= MIA|Event=Briscoe 12 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 14–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Yepremian 19 yard field goal |Score=MIA 17–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Warfield 3 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 24–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Warfield 40 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 31–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team= NYJ|Event= Howfield 38 yard field goal |Score=MIA 31–3 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310070mia.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 6: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310140buf.htm|title=Buffalo Bills 6 at Miami Dolphins 27|access-date=June 28, 2010|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}

| Visitor = Buffalo Bills (4–2)

| Host = Miami Dolphins (5–1)

| V1 = 3| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =3

| H1 = 3| H2 =21| H3 =3| H4 =0

| Date = October 21, 1973

| Location = Orange Bowl (astroturf)
Miami, Florida

| StartTime = 1:00 PM

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 65,241

| Weather = {{convert|80|F}}, relative humidity 77%, wind {{convert|17|mph|abbr=on}} mph

| Referee = Fred Silva

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Miami took over first place in the AFC East by halting Simpson's streak of consecutive 100-yard performances. They held him to 55 yards on 14 carries before he left the game with an ankle sprain in the fourth quarter. Miami posted a 21-point second quarter highlighted by a pair of touchdown passes from Bob Griese to Jim Mandich. The Bills made no first downs in the first half.{{cite news|title=Packers racked, O. J. squeezed|date=October 22, 1973|page=C3|work=Chicago Tribune}} Leypoldt and Garo Yepremian opened and closed the scoring by swapping field goals. The Dolphins' other touchdown came when a 21-yard Paul Warfield reception set up a Mercury Morris 4-yard touchdown.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EjEcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OFoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6696,3258612&dq=buffalo+bills+simpson&hl=en |title=Dolphins Stop Simpson Bills |access-date=August 24, 2010 |date=October 22, 1973 |work=The Victoria Advocate }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Dolphins

|V1= 7|V2=7 |V3= 10|V4=0

|Host=Jets

|H1= 0|H2=14 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=November 4

|Location=Shea Stadium

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather={{convert|47|F}}; wind {{convert|17|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Fred Wyant

|TVAnnouncers=

|TVStation=

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Morris 19 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score= MIA 7–0|LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=NYJ |Event=Riggins 1 yard run (Howfield kick) |Score=Tie 7–7 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=NYJ |Event= Riggins 3 yard run (Howfield kick) |Score=NYJ 14–7 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Morris 4 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=Tie 14–14 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Warfield 37 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score= MIA 21–14|LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team= MIA|Event= Yepremian 20 yard field goal |Score=MIA 24–14 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311040nyj.htm Pro Football Reference.com]

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Week 10: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311180buf.htm|title=Miami Dolphins 17 at Buffalo Bills 0|access-date=June 28, 2010|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Pro-Football-Reference.com}}

| Visitor = Miami Dolphins (9–1)

| Host = Buffalo Bills (5–5)

| V1 = 7| V2 =10| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 = 0| H2 =0| H3 =0| H4 =0

| Date = November 18, 1973

| Location = Rich Stadium (astroturf)
Orchard Park, New York

| StartTime = 1:00 PM

| ElapsedTime =

| Attendance = 77,138

| Weather = 37 degrees, relative humidity 70%, wind {{convert|12|mph|abbr=on}} mph, wind chill 28

| Referee = Dick Jorgensen

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The Dolphins clinched the East Division title with a 17–0 shutout of the Bills. Miami's first touchdown drive included two fourth-and-one conversions by Jim Kiick. With Miami leading 10–0, Buffalo drove from their own 20-yard-line to the Dolphins' 4-yard-line and then turned the ball over on downs four plays later at the 1-yard-line.{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HOgzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xTgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=3448,1093665&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en|title=Miami defeats Bills to clinch division crown|access-date=June 28, 2010|date=November 19, 1973|work=Bangor Daily News}} In the game, the Bills were shut out despite a pair of 100-yard rushing efforts by Simpson and Braxton who posted 120 and 119 yards respectively.

{{clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Steelers

|V1=0 |V2=3 |V3=7 |V4=16

|Host=Dolphins

|H1=20 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=0

|Date=December 3

|Location=Orange Bowl

|StartTime=9:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=68,901

|Weather={{convert|75|F}}; wind {{convert|14|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Ben Dreith

|TVAnnouncers=Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, and Don Meredith

|TVStation=ABC

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Anderson 27 yard interception return (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 7–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q1|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 28 yard field goal |Score=MIA 10–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q1|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 46 yard field goal |Score=MIA 13–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q1|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Mandich 2 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 20–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team= MIA|Event=Anderson 38 yard interception return (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 27–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=PIT |Event=Gerela 37 yard field goal |Score=MIA 27–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 14 yard field goal |Score=MIA 30–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q3|Time= |Team=PIT |Event=P. Pearson 5 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) |Score=MIA 30–10 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team=PIT |Event=Harris 21 yard run (Gerela kick) |Score=MIA 30–17 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team=PIT |Event=B. Pearson 17 yard pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) |Score=MIA 30–24 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team=PIT |Event=Safety, Griese tackled by White in end zone |Score= MIA 30–26|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312030mia.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Lions

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=7

|Host=Dolphins

|H1=14 |H2= 17|H3=3 |H4=0

|Date=December 15

|Location=Orange Bowl

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=

|Weather={{convert|69|F}}; wind {{convert|7|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Norm Schachter

|TVAnnouncers=Jack Buck and Pat Summerall

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Warfield 21 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 7–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q1|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Warfield 7 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 14–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 27 yard field goal |Score=MIA 17–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Warfield 16 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 24–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Warfield 4 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score= MIA 31–0|LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q3|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 28 yard field goal |Score=MIA 34–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q4|Time= |Team=DET |Event=Owens 5 yard run (Mann kick) |Score= MIA 34–7|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312150mia.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]

{{Clear}}

{{1973 AFC East standings}}

NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, {{ISBN|0-7611-2480-2}}, p. 296

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Bengals

|V1=3 |V2= 13|V3=0 |V4=0

|Host=Dolphins

|H1=14 |H2=7 |H3=10 |H4=3

|Date=December 23

|Location=Orange Bowl

|StartTime=1:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=78,928

|Weather={{convert|55|F}}; wind {{convert|8|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Bernie Ulman

|TVAnnouncers=Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis

|TVStation=NBC

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= yes|Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event= Warfield 13 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick)|Score=MIA 7–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=CIN |Event= Muhlmann 24 yard field goal|Score= MIA 7–3|LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event= Csonka 1 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 14–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event= Morris 4 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 21–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=CIN |Event= Craig 45 yard interception return (Muhlmann kick) |Score=MIA 21–10 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=CIN |Event= Muhlmann 46 yard field goal|Score=MIA 21–13 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=CIN |Event= Muhlmann 10 yard field goal|Score=MIA 21–16 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q3|Time= |Team=MIA |Event= Mandich 7 yard pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 28–16 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q3|Time= |Team=MIA |Event= Yepremian 50 yard field goal |Score=MIA 31–16 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q4|Time= |Team=MIA |Event= Yepremian 46 yard field goal |Score=MIA 34–16 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312230mia.htm Pro Football Reference.com]

The Dolphins outgained Cincinnati in total yards, 400–194, and first downs, 27–11, while also scoring on three of their first four possessions and shutting out the Bengals in the second half. The Dolphins racked up 241 yards on the ground, including 106 from Mercury Morris and 71 from Larry Csonka, while receiver Paul Warfield caught 5 passes for 95 yards and a score. Bob Griese completed 11 of 18 passes for 159 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception, for a passer rating of 103.7. Griese's 18 pass attempts were the most that he would throw throughout the entire 1973-74 playoffs. For the rest of the playoffs, Griese would throw less than 10 times per game.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Raiders

|V1= 0|V2= 0|V3=10 |V4=0

|Host=Dolphins

|H1= 7|H2=7 |H3=3 |H4=10

|Date=December 30

|Location=Orange Bowl

|StartTime=4:00 p.m.

|TimeZone=EST

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=79,325

|Weather={{convert|74|F}}; wind {{convert|8|mph|abbr=on}}

|Referee=Tommy Bell

|TVAnnouncers=Curt Gowdy and Al DeRogatis

|TVStation=NBC

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= Q1|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Csonka 11 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 7–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q2 |Time= |Team=MIA|Event=Csonka 2 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 14–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team=OAK |Event=Blanda 21 yard field goal |Score=MIA 14–3 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 42 yard field goal |Score= MIA 17–3|LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q3 |Time= |Team=OAK |Event=Siani 25 yard pass from Stabler (Blanda kick) |Score=MIA 17–10 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 26 yard field goal |Score=MIA 20–10 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter=Q4 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Csonka 2 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 27–10 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312300mia.htm Pro Football Reference.com]

Running back Larry Csonka led the Dolphins to a victory with 117 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Mercury Morris also ran for 86 yards. Bob Griese threw just six passes during the game, completing three.

{{Clear}}

{{main|Super Bowl VIII}}

{{AFB game box start

|Title=

|Visitor=Vikings

|V1=0 |V2=0 |V3=0 |V4=7

|Host=Dolphins

|H1=14 |H2=3 |H3= 7|H4=0

|Date=January 13

|Location=Rice Stadium

|StartTime=2:50 p.m.

|TimeZone=CDT

|ElapsedTime=

|Attendance=71,882

|Weather=Cloudy; {{convert|47|F}}

|Referee=Ben Dreith

|TVAnnouncers=Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, and Bart Starr

|TVStation=CBS

}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=Q1 |Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Csonka 5 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 7–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q1|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Kiick 1 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 14–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q2|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Yepremian 28 yard field goal |Score=MIA 17–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q3|Time= |Team=MIA |Event=Csonka 2 yard run (Yepremian kick) |Score=MIA 24–0 |LastEntry=}}

{{AFB game box scoring entry |FirstEntry= |Quarter= Q4|Time= |Team=MIN |Event=Tarkenton 4 yard run (Cox kick) |Score=MIA 24–7 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197401130mia.htm Pro Football Reference.com]

Larry Csonka rushed for 145 yards on 33 carries, scoring two touchdowns, and was named MVP. Bob Griese threw just seven passes all game, completing six.

{{Clear}}

• Larry Csonka, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player

Pro Bowl Selections (voted by NFL coaches for players other than their own):[https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/20/archives/hill-of-jets-11-dolphins-in-pro-bowl-american-conference-national.html Hill of Jets, 11 Dolphins In Pro Bowl], New York Times (archives), William N. Wallace, Dec. 20, 1973. Even though the headline states 11 Dolphins, the article itself lists 12 Dolphins including kicker Garo Yepremian.

Offense:

• Bob Griese, Quarterback
• Jim Langer, Offensive line (center)
• Larry Little, Offensive line (guard)
• Wayne Moore, Offensive line (tackle)
• Larry Csonka, Running back
• Mercury Morris, Running back
• Paul Warfield, Wide Receiver
• Garo Yepremian, Place Kicker

Defense:

• Bill Stanfill, Defensive end
• Nick Buoniconti, Middle Linebacker
• Dick Anderson, Safety
• Jake Scott, Safety

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1973.htm 1973 Miami Dolphins] at Pro-Football-Reference.com

{{Super Bowl champions}}

{{Miami Dolphins seasons}}

{{Super Bowl VIII}}

{{Miami Dolphins}}

{{1973 NFL season by team}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1973 Miami Dolphins Season}}

Miami

Category:Miami Dolphins seasons

Category:AFC East championship seasons

Category:American Football Conference championship seasons

Category:Super Bowl champion seasons

Miami Dolphins

Category:1970s in Miami