Miami Dolphins · Franchise era 3 of 6
The bridge to Marino: the Miami Dolphins story
Franchise era
1975—1982
The bridge to Marino
Miami Dolphins
The story in one sentence
Miami remained a regular contender and rode its defense through the strike-shortened 1982 postseason before drafting its next defining quarterback.
The Killer B's defense returns Miami to the Super Bowl
Bob Griese, Nat Moore and A.J. Duhe gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the marino years.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1975
What came before
Shula built a disciplined, adaptable powerhouse that went 17–0 in 1972 and repeated as champion the next season.
1983-01-16
Divisional Round: San Diego Chargers vs Miami Dolphins
1983-01-23
Conference Championship: New York Jets vs Miami Dolphins
1983-01-30
Super Bowl: Miami Dolphins vs Washington
After 1982
What came next
Marino shattered records immediately and kept Miami relevant for seventeen seasons, though his lone Super Bowl came in year two.
The core