The 59-10 loss against the Baltimore Ravens at Hard Rock Stadium was utterly forgettable and every bit as ugly as the final score would suggest.
It’s no stretch to suggest it was — by far — the worst season opener in Dolphins history.
But what about the rest? The Dolphins actually have fared pretty well in season openers, compiling a 29-24-1 record in their first 54 years of existence.
Besides the abomination of last season, there have been some memorable performances on opening day, some thrillers and other not-so-good efforts.
So let’s rank the 54 Dolphins season openers, using as criteria the quality of the game, the Dolphins’ performance and unique factors that made them stand out.
1 — 1994: MIAMI 39, NEW ENGLAND 35
Maybe the most memorable Dan Marino moment in a career filled with them. In his first regular-season game since he had torn his Achilles tendon the previous October, Marino outdueled Drew Bledsoe in a dazzling display of passing. Three of Marino’s five touchdown passes on the day went to Irving Fryar, including the game-winning 35-yard hook-up on a fourth-and-5.
2 — 1984: MIAMI 35, WASHINGTON 17
This was a masterful performance by Dan Marino that served as an opening act to his record-setting 1984 season. Marino threw five TD passes in a convincing road win against a Washington team coming off two consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
3 — 1972: MIAMI 20, KANSAS CITY 10
This was the much-anticipated rematch of the Christmas Day classic, as well as the first game at Arrowhead Stadium, and the Dolphins dominated to start their march to a perfect season. The Dolphins took advantage of four turnovers to build a 20-0 lead on a day when Larry Csonka rushed for 118 yards.
4 — 2001: MIAMI 31, TENNESSEE 23
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Dolphin Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Dolphin Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Q&A with Miami Dolphins Legend Richmond Webb
I was lucky enough to interview the legend, Richmond Webb. For those Dolphins fans who live under a rock, Webb is one of the greatest Miami Dolphins players ever and their greatest left tackle of all time.
To do list
GAME PLAN
Putting the pieces together
Analyzing the 53-man roster
You're in Safe Hands with the Dolphins Safeties
After an off-season where the Miami Dolphins had daily drama surrounding who would be the quarterback, which coordinator was really calling the plays, and does their number one pick have a limp, went into Foxborough and did something they’ve only done once since 2008.
Xavien Howard worth every penny
The Miami Dolphins were in the news daily during the offseason, but it was mainly regarding starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Head coach Brian Flores talks about the Raekwon Davis injury, beating New England Week 1, Tua Tagovailoa, Noah Igbinoghene and more
COACH SPEAK
Offensive line an early season concern
PARTING SHOTS
Jaylen Waddle is as advertised
The 2021 first-round pick has been a bright spot for the Dolphins
Can Miami tackle their tackle issues?
The Miami Dolphins currently have a 2020 first-round pick, a 2021 second-round pick, a 2019 second-round pick, and a player who has started 56 games for them over the last four seasons to choose from at right and left tackle.
AROUND THE AFC EAST
The race for the AFC East crown gets started
