NFL's 30 best teams that didn't win the Super Bowl

NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Miami Dolphins former head coach Don Shula on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Symphony Hall. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

6. 1974 Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins of the 1970s might be the most underrated team in NFL history. When the best of all-time are discussed, very rarely are the Dolphins brought into the mix despite going to three consecutive Super Bowls and winning two of them, including an undefeated season in 1972, the only one in league history. In 1974, the Dolphins were seeking the three-peat.

Like many teams of the era, Miami was based off a hard-nosed ground attack and a tough defense. The Dolphins had the third-ranked offense and sixth-ranked defense, boosting a complete team under head coach Don Shula. The rushing attack was led by Hall of Famer Larry Csonka, with Mercury Morris, Jim Kiick and Benny Malone chipping in. On defense, it was the play of defensive lineman Manny Fernandez which drew most of the attention.

After going 11-3 and winning the AFC East, the Dolphins traveled to play the Oakland Raiders in a contest billed as Super Bowl 8.5 by Sports Illustrated, with the inference that the winner was the heavy favorite to take the title. Miami and Oakland staged an epic, with the Raiders pulling out a classic victory when running back Clarence Davis snagged a game-winning touchdown in the dying seconds among a gaggle of Dolphins defenders.

Next: 5. 1990 Buffalo Bills

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