But the bottom line is that December 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of a dramatic Miami Dolphins victory against the Indianapolis Colts.
It was dramatic because it not only was an overtime win, it was a wild-card playoff game (the third overtime in franchise postseason history) before a frenzied sold-out crowd at Hard Rock Stadium, back then known as Pro Player Stadium.
It was dramatic because it ended when running back Lamar Smith capped a spectacular 209-yard day by tearing off one of the greatest runs a Dolphins running back has ever made.
Smith bobbed and weaved his way around the right side, breaking multiple tackles from grasping Colt defenders on his way to the end zone, for a 17-yard score with 3:34 left in the first overtime to give Miami a 2317 victory and vaulting the Dolphins into the AFC divisional playoff round.
That part is significant as well because it marks the last time this franchise enjoyed a postseason victory. Not that the Dolphins have been to the playoffs very much since, but 2001, 2008 and 2016 ended with wild-card playoff losses against the Baltimore Ravens twice and Pittsburgh in 2016.
As a result, Miami has the fifth-longest drought as far as winning a postseason game in the NFL behind only Buffalo (1995), Cleveland (1994), Detroit (1991) and Cincinnati (1990).
It was dramatic because the Dolphins managed to tie the game and send it to overtime with just 34 seconds left in regulation with one final desperation drive.
And finally, it was dramatic because, after a disastrous first half that saw them fall behind 14-0 at the break, the game marked the second-greatest comeback in franchise postseason history.
This story is from the January 2021 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 January 2021 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
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.
Offensive line an early season concern
PARTING SHOTS
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.
Solid preseason offers hope for running game
How unlikely would it be if the answer to the Dolphins running game concerns is a former seventh-round pick in his third season out of Washington who was the last of 25 running backs taken in the 2019 draft?
How good can the defense be?
Had it not been for the Miami Dolphins’ defense last season, they would not have won 10 games.
Dolphins 101 with Professor Klump
Miami finally has their guy at quarterback
Who is calling the plays?
The Miami Dolphins have struck out the last two seasons at hiring the right offensive coordinator for their football team.
AROUND THE AFC EAST
Buffalo has their future QB...do the other teams?
PARTING shots
It’s time for Baker to become elite
Time to take stock of Tua
The Dolphins quarterback showed improvement in his second camp, but the question remains as to how big a jump he can make in 2021