We're still trying to track down Mercury Morris, but many of the '72 Dolphins offered their congratulations to the New England Patriots, the only other NFL team to navigate the regular season without a loss. Former Dolphins tight end Jim Mandich even released a statement: "My sincerest congratulations go out to the Patriots. ... They are a remarkable team. If somebody was going to tie the Miami Dolphins record in the regular season of going unbeaten, it's appropriate that it would be the Patriots because they are a class act."
And former Miami quarterback Bob Griese also had some kind words:
"I want to congratulate the Patriots on going undefeated during the regular season," added quarterback Bob Griese. "I know Tom Brady well because he played at Michigan with my son, Brian. I've followed his career ever since then and have the greatest respect for him as a player. He is having one of the greatest seasons ever by an NFL quarterback, and his outstanding performance has been a major factor in the Patriots' success this year."Guard Bob Kuechenberg wasn't as effusive in his praise. In fact, he admits he wants the Patriots to lose:
Obviously, [if they can win the Super Bowl] I will be the first to take my hat off to them. If they can pull it off, they will have earned it. But my heart is dead set against it. The '72 team is uniquely immortal in American sports and I don't want us to lose that special place."Kudos to Kuechenberg for being honest. I'm guessing he's not the only person who feels that way.
There's no downplaying the impressiveness of going 16-0 (like the media would let that happen), but it will be the next three wins that determine the 2007 season for the New England Patriots.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-30-2007 @ 10:42AM
eric said...
perfect season!!! half thier games were against teams that realy suck the jets miami please they have to cheat to win that is a fact they were caught red handed the giants gave them a wakeup call and if these two make it to the super bowl the g men will give them another ass wouping but this time the winner will be different
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12-30-2007 @ 5:02PM
primrod said...
eric (the whiner) you are a sad little man who is jealous and can't come to terms with the idea that the Patriots might very well be the greatest team in NFL history. Your G-men played well, Eli played some of his best football this season but it was not enough against the Mighty Pats.
Ass whooping, what are you talking about? I recall seeing a few G-men limping off the field.
Accept reality and come to terms with your anger eric with a small e. Enjoy your short playoff run, I will be really suprised if the midgets get past Tampa.
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1-01-2008 @ 6:27AM
scott said...
new england should have never been in the this years season,they should be banned from playing who knows how they are cheating now once a cheat always a cheat. scott
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1-01-2008 @ 7:38PM
RFIpats fan said...
Eric says in post#1: "perfect season!!! half thier games were against teams that realy suck"
Eric,
I will agree that half of the Pats wins were against teams that had sub .500 records. The other half however, were against teams that had over .500 records.
Here's a list of the teams the Patriots beat:
DIVISION WINNING TEAMS
1.Dallas Cowboys(#1 seed in the NFC)13-3
2.Indianapolis Colts(#2 seed in the AFC)13-3
3.San Diego Chargers(#3 seed in the AFC)11-5
4.Pittsburg Steelers(#4 seed in the AFC)10-6
PLAYOFF TEAMS
5.New York Giants(NFC wildcard)10-6
6.Washington Redskins(NFC wildcard)9-7
TEAMS THAT WERE .500 OR BETTER
7.Cleveland Browns 10-6
8.Philadelphia Eagles 8-8
TEAMS JUST BELOW .500
9.Cincinatti Bengals 7-9
10.Buffalo Bills(played twice)7-9
TEAMS WITH 5 WINS OR LESS(teams that really suck)
11.Baltimore Ravens 5-11
12.New York Jets(played twice)4-12
13.Miami Dolphins(played twice)1-15
So, even though 8 of The Pats wins came against teams that were sub .500, only five of those wins were against teams that really suck.
And, when you look at the teams that have .500 or better records, you can see that Patriots have faced off against some of the NFL's Elite.
I'll admit; the AFC east was a weak division this year. However the Pats have beaten three playoff teams(Cowboys, Colts, Giants)on the road, as well as three playoff teams(Chargers, Steelers, Redskins)at home. And don't forget Cleveland just missed the playoffs.
Bottom line:
The Patriots took on all comers this year and won.
16-0*
*(perfect regular season)
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1-03-2008 @ 2:32PM
a disinterested party said...
I believe that in '72 the Dolphins played four teams that were above .500. Also, who played QB for them was of little importance as they simply handed off to Csonka, Morris or Kiick - or however you spell Jim's name.
While I'm at it, on the "running-up-the-score" whine: Shula won his 100the game by beating those very-same Pats. The score was 52-zip.
Those '72 Dolphins should have just decided to pop the corks when their '07 counterparts WON their first. Then they would have gotten a sip.
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