My point is that what the 72 Fins accomplished dwarfs the great 18-1 season that the Pats had.

Given all the cheating allegations, I think the Pats legacy is in serious doubt.

I was around in 1972 and it was a very different time, with a set of rules of engagement that was unique to it’s time. It was also a time when many NFL players returned to their off season jobs, not out of fun, but often because of what would be more termed ‘nearer to necessity.’

I am a Dolphin fan, have been since 1970. There is no doubt in my mind of the better level of athleticism in terms of strength, size and speed – in the NFL today. No doubt the level of complexity existing in today’s game is greater. Given this, I think there is NO DOUBT that given a ‘magical match game’ the Patriot’s of today would best the Dolphins of ‘then.’ Nevertheless, I don’t think it would be the ‘BIG blow-out’ many assume. Especially given the struggles of the Patriot Defense this year vs. last year. But like one of the 72′ Dolphin veterans said, by half-time your NE Pats would no doubt be up. Having said that, I hope my respect for the players and organization of the Patriots is registered – despite allegations which over shadow the organization. They ARE a great team, amongst the great franchises.

What I don’t believe, though, is that the players ‘back then’ were so much slower, hit with less enthusiasm, and expended themselves less than those of today. The rules in those days clearly advantaged the defenses. There was simplicity then, granted in comparison to today, but grittiness that today’s game lack.

I don’t think I’m too far off the mark in stating that by the time one saw the rise of the Dolphins in the early 70’s – what may be termed as ‘modern football’ was clearly established; a modern, more sophisticated (yet gutty) approach to the game that also began to use specialists; a time which gave rise to the vaunted (sp?) Stealers and the Raiders (both of whom barely escaped a re-built Miami program on two occasions to make it to their Super Bowls. By the eighties, a definite new level to the game was being established.

I guess at the age of 48, I’ve come to appreciate the ones whose contributions have clearly paved the way for players today. And I am saddened by those who on the one hand loath the 72′ Dolphins with verbiage one day, while on the next day exclaim the greatness of players who played ‘back then’ – the very same players and teams those Dolphins defeated – on many occasions.

Although most of the 72 Dolphins were from various places, the idea of a Championship team in South Florida didn’t take well with football traditionalists. I remember this very well, very, very well.

And I think such attitudes persist today – though not as much as then. Sure, some of the 72′ Dolphins appear to be bragging to the point of whining. Even ‘then,’ people were making excuses – explaining away the reasons for their dominance – as if the players and coaches didn’t deserve the congratulations and admiration for what they achieved in 71-73. Sad, to me, because I remember in the 70’s my Steelers friends boasting about how championships had returned to where football belongs – in places where it snows.

Perhaps I sense a rabid anger from NE area fans towards the ‘72 Dolphins in part on account of regionalism. Perhaps because some of the Dolphins sound like they whine. But I would like to think it’s because the Pats and the Fins have really established a competitive rivalry since the 1970s which have made both clubs better. Isn’t it interesting that the only undefeated team in NFL history and the 18-1 Pats both came from the same division which molded them both, hmmm.

All this said, I close with a few points. The 72′ Dolphins has some advantages the Patriot’s didn’t. First, they didn’t have a press of today hounding their every move. Second, the Patriot’s had been winners in their previous 3 Super Bowl victories and didn’t have an incentive which the 72’ Dolphins had. Although there was talk and pressure about completing an undefeated season – the truth was that the 72′ Fins HAD SOMETHING TO PROOF over and against a previous humiliating Super Bowl loss to the Cowboys. Which leads to the last and third point: There was no pressure on the 72 Fins to equal, or surpass, a previous perfect modern football season. They were just trying to get to the Super bowl, and win.

And so, I give personal permission of some old men to celebrate what they achieved. Maybe even boast. And I would think the PAT fans (and ’72 Dolphin haters) would have to be more tolerant. If not, then why would anyone have a basis to defend some old ‘has-been’ PATS in the year 2029 brag about their unparalleled-undefeated Super bowl year – had they won against the Giants.

But in many more ways the PATs are winners – and I think the PAT fans still are proud of their team regardless of the Super Bowl loss or any clouds of allegations of taping. The very same way, many old fans are proud of a team from which very few names are remembered today – or even were known then so long ago in South Florida when those 72 Dolphins were players once, and young too.

Be interested in your response.