Super Bowl Anniversaries – 7: Dolphins v. Redskins

By Dave “Large” Larzelere
When: January 14, 1973, 35 years ago today
Where: This was the second of two Super Bowls held at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum – the first was Super Bowl I between the Packers and Chiefs. The L.A. Coliseum is one of only four stadiums ever to host both the Super Bowl and a World Series game. Three games of the 1959 Fall Classic (Dodgers over the White Sox 4-2) were played at the Coliseum.
Why: Well, if you live under a rock or hail from a foreign country, you are perhaps unaware that the 1972 Miami Dolphins did not lose a game in either the regular season or the playoffs. It is the only undefeated campaign in NFL history, an exclusive club that seems more and more likely to be admitting a new member this February. The Skins were a worthy adversary for the Fish, however – they were 11-3 in ’72, the best team in the NFC, and they made quick work of Green Bay and Dallas in the playoffs to make it to the big one.
Who: The now legendary No-Name Defense of the Dolphins was the main star of the game for Miami, stifling the leading rusher in the NFC, Redskins’ tailback Larry Brown Jr. Dolphins’ safety Jake Scott was the game’s MVP for his two interceptions, although many felt that nose tackle Manny Fernandez deserved the award, having notched 17 tackles. Larry Csonka ran for 112 yards for Miami and Howard Twilley caught a 28-yard TD pass from QB Bob Griese. But despite the fact that Super Bowl VII capped off the Dolphins’ miraculous season, the most famous play of the game remains kicker Garo Yepremian’s botched attempt to throw a pass after a blocked field-goal in the fourth quarter. It was a ridiculous butterfingers moment that led to the Redskins only score:

National Anthem: Andy Williams, with the Little Angels of Chicago’s Angels Church. Which was all fine and good, I’m sure, but as far as I’m concerned, if Andy Williams ain’t singing “Moon River,†I ain’t listening.
Notable Entertainment: Woody Herman. Jazz clarinetist. They tried to get Herbie Mann, but he was doing a bar mitzvah in Poughkeepsie.
Nuggets: Despite their undefeated status, the Dolphins were only one-point favorites over Washington. As Miami coach Don Shula was being carried off the field at the end of the game, somebody stole his watch. So Shula, being Don Shula, jumped down and ran after the dude and got his watch back. He also thumped the guy pretty good according to witnesses. Note to self - don’t tug on Superman’s cape and don’t steal Don Shula’s watch.
Final Score: Miami 14, Washington 7↵