Fansided

NFL: The Top 30 teams of the modern era

By S. Silverman

Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of the golden NFL shield logo at the entrance to the 4th annual NFL Honors at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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  1. 1972-73 Miami Dolphins

Don Shula built a juggernaut with the Dolphins shortly after he arrived in Miami following a successful but heartbreaking stint as head coach of the Baltimore Colts. The 1968 Colts had dominated the NFL, but were beaten in Super Bowl III by the New York Jets, and that was perhaps the greatest upset in professional sports history.

Shula would suffer no such heartbreak with the Dolphins. His team had a perfect 14-0-0 regular season in 1972 even though starting quarterback Bob Griese was injured much of the year. The Dolphins were so versatile on offense with Larry Csonka at running back and Paul Warfield at wide receiver and dominant on defense that they could win regular-season games with veteran Earl Morrall under center.

The Dolphins dominated the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs before beating the Washington Redskin 14-7 in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins defended their title brilliantly the following year, as they overpowered the Minnesota Vikings in the championship game.

Next: Lombardi's best team

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