Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Miami’s only losing season of the 70s, sandwiched in between 10-4 near miss playoff teams in 75/77 plus making the playoffs 7 times in 10 years on both sides of this rut

It was also one of only two losing seasons for Don Shula with the Dolphins, and that one in 88 was amidst when their defense was bottom of the league in the late 80s

In 76 their defense was nowhere near as bad (15th in a 28 team league)

But still….. 6-8?

What in the world was going on with MIA going M.I.A.?

I actually brought it up on the Bill Stanfill State Your Case on PFJ and TOFTWO ...

The team was devastated with injuries in 1975--despite a great coaching job by Shula--which carried over into 1976. Stanfill, Buoniconti and Anderson were just hanging on and Scott would be traded to the Redskins. Morris went to the Chargers and Nat Moore was banged up at receiver. The running attack was good but the Dolphins couldnt stop the run on defense.