Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 7, a game that would go down in history as the culmination of perfection and the crowning achievement of one of the greatest teams in NFL history. This matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins took place on January 14, 1973, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become known as the completion of the only perfect season in NFL history. The 1972 NFL season was a year of dominance for the Miami Dolphins. Led by head coach Don Shula, the Dolphins had achieved something unprecedented in the modern era of professional football: a perfect regular season. They entered the playoffs with a 14 and 0 record and continued their winning streak through the AFC Championship game, setting the stage for a potential perfect season if they could emerge victorious in Super Bowl 7 the Dolphins' journey to Super Bowl 7 was nothing short of remarkable. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, featuring a balanced attack that could beat opponents on the ground or through the air. The team's success was built on a foundation of exceptional talent and coaching, with several future Hall of Famers playing key roles. At quarterback, the Dolphins had Bob Greasy, a precise passer who excelled in Shula's ball-control offense. However, Greasy had suffered an ankle injury early in the season and was replaced by veteran Earl Morrall for much of the year. Morrall, who had previously led the Baltimore Colts to Super Bowl 3, performed admirably in Greasy’s absence, helping to guide the team through their perfect regular season. The true strength of the Dolphins' offense, however, was their running game. The backfield trio of Larry Zonka, Jim Kiick, and Mercury Morris, nicknamed "The Perfect Backfield," was a force to be reckoned with. Zonka, a bruising fullback, was the team's leading rusher and a future Hall of Famer. Kiick was a versatile back who could run and catch passes out of the backfield, while Morris provided speed and big-play ability.  The Dolphins' offensive line, anchored by future Hall of Famers Jim Langer at center and Larry Little at guard, was one of the best in the league. They consistently opened holes for the running backs and provided excellent protection for the quarterbacks. On defense, the Dolphins were equally formidable. Known as the "No-Name Defense" due to their lack of star power, this unit was nonetheless one of the best in the NFL. Led by middle linebacker Nick Buoniconti, another future Hall of Famer, the Dolphins' defense had shut down opponents all season long. Safety Jake Scott and defensive end Bill Stanfill were other key contributors to this stingy unit. On the other side of the field were the Washington Redskins, representing the NFC. Led by head coach George Allen, the Redskins had finished the regular season with an 11 and 3 record and had defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship game to reach Super Bowl 7. The Redskins' offense was led by quarterback Billy Kilmer, a gritty veteran known for his toughness and leadership. Kilmer's favorite target was wide receiver Charley Taylor, a future Hall of Famer who had transitioned from running back earlier in his career. The Redskins' running game was anchored by Larry Brown, who had been named the NFL's Most Valuable Player for the 1972 season. On defense, the Redskins boasted a unit nicknamed the "Over-the-Hill Gang" due to the advanced age of many of its players. This experienced group was led by linebacker Chris Hanburger, another future Hall of Famer, and featured other standouts like defensive tackle Diron Talbert and safety Brig Owens. As game day approached, the Dolphins were favored, but many expected a close, competitive game. The Redskins were seen as a tough, experienced team that wouldn't be intimidated by the Dolphins' perfect record. The stage was set for what promised to be an epic battle between two of the NFL's best teams. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Dolphins received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Redskins' first possession showed promise, with Kilmer completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Washington was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian connected on a 28-yard field goal, giving Miami a 3 to zero lead. This score was set up by a 20-yard run from Mercury Morris, showcasing the explosive potential of the Dolphins' running game. The Redskins tried to respond quickly, but their drive was cut short when Kilmer's pass was intercepted by Dolphins cornerback Tim Foley. Miami capitalized on this turnover, putting together a drive that culminated in a 28-yard touchdown pass from Greasy to Howard Twilley. This play, which saw Twilley make a spectacular diving catch in the end zone, extended the Dolphins' lead to 10 to zero. As the second quarter began, the Dolphins continued to assert their dominance. Their defense stifled the Redskins' attempts to move the ball, while their offense continued to find success on the ground. Late in the quarter, Jim Kiick punched in a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the Dolphins' lead to 14 to zero heading into halftime. The third quarter saw both defenses tighten up, with neither team able to score. The Redskins' "Over-the-Hill Gang" began to show signs of life, forcing a turnover when defensive tackle Manny Fernandez recovered a Dolphins fumble. However, Washington was unable to capitalize on this opportunity, as the Miami defense continued to shut down Kilmer and the Redskins' offense. As the fourth quarter began, the Dolphins seemed to be in control, holding a 14 to zero lead and dominating on both sides of the ball. However, the game was about to take a dramatic and almost comical turn that would nearly cost Miami their perfect season. With just over two minutes left in the game, the Dolphins lined up for what should have been a routine 42-yard field goal attempt. A successful kick would have put the game out of reach and sealed Miami's perfect season. However, Garo Yepremian's kick was blocked by Washington's Bill Brundige. Yepremian recovered the ball and, in a moment of panic, attempted to throw a pass. The ball slipped out of his hand and was scooped up by Redskins cornerback Mike Bass, who returned it 49 yards for a touchdown. Suddenly, with 2 oh seven left on the clock, the score was 14 to 7, and the Redskins had new life. The Miami sideline, which had been preparing to celebrate their perfect season, was now in a state of shock. The Redskins attempted an onside kick, but the Dolphins recovered, and were able to run out the clock, preserving their 14 to 7 victory and completing their perfect season. As the final whistle blew, the Miami Dolphins had achieved what no other team in the Super Bowl era had done before or has done since: a perfect season, capped off with a Super Bowl victory. Their final record stood at an immaculate 17 and oh. Safety Jake Scott was named the game's Most Valuable Player, becoming the second defensive player to win the award. Scott had two interceptions in the game, both of which halted promising Redskins drives. His performance was emblematic of the Dolphins' "No-Name Defense," which had been the backbone of the team's success all season. The statistics from the game tell the story of Miami's dominance. The Dolphins outgained the Redskins 253 yards to 228, including a 184 to 72 advantage in rushing yards. Larry Zsonka led all rushers with 112 yards on 15 carries, showcasing the power running game that had been Miami's trademark all season. For the Redskins, it was a disappointing end to what had been an excellent season. Billy Kilmer completed just 14 of 28 passes for 104 yards and was intercepted three times. The vaunted Redskins running game, led by MVP Larry Brown, was completely shut down, managing just 72 yards on 22 attempts. Super Bowl 7 was notable for several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the completion of the only perfect season in NFL history, a feat that has stood for over five decades and has been challenged but never equaled. The game showcased the importance of a balanced offense and a strong defense in championship football. The Dolphins' ability to control the game on the ground while also making big plays through the air proved to be a winning formula. Their defense, meanwhile, completely shut down a potent Washington offense, demonstrating once again that "defense wins championships. “The game had a lasting impact on both franchises. For the Dolphins, it was the crowning achievement of a dynasty that would see them return to the Super Bowl the following year and win again. Don Shula, already considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, cemented his legacy with this perfect season. For the Redskins, while the loss was disappointing, it marked the beginning of a successful era under George Allen. They would remain contenders throughout the Nineteen Seventies, eventually winning their first Super Bowl in 1983 under Joe Gibbs. As we look back on Super Bowl 7 from our vantage point today, it's clear that this game represented a high-water mark in NFL history. The Dolphins, with their perfect season, had established a standard of excellence that has never been matched. Their victory over a strong Redskins team proved that their perfect record was no fluke, but rather the result of exceptional talent, coaching, and teamwork. The game also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Despite the Dolphins' dominance throughout the game, it was nearly undone by a single bizarre play in the final minutes. This moment, often referred to as "Garo's Gaffe," has be