2007 Patriots vs. 1972 Dolphins: Who Would Win Batttle of the Undefeateds?

The success of the New England Patriots has prompted questions as to how this current edition would stack up against the 1990's Cowboys, 1980's 49'ers, 1970's Steelers, or the 17-0 Miami contingent that won Super Bowl VII.

As difficult as it is to compare athletes or teams from varying eras, that's part of what we do here at The Source.

For those that say such comparisons are premature because the Brady Bunch hasn't won a title this season yet—might we point out that Belichick U. already owns three Lombardi Trophies?

Without further ado, let's compare the Pats and '72 Dolphins, unit-by-unit (the Niner and Steeler cases will be made in February if Brady, Belichick and Bruschi win their fourth championship together):

OFFENSIVE LINE: Edge: Miami

Larry Little and Bob Keuchenberg were Pro Bowlers, the former a perennial pick and Hall of Famer. Many consider Little the greatest to ever play his position. Center Jim Langer was All-Pro four times and second team twice—no mean feat considering he was an AFC contemporary of Steeler Mike Webster, Raider Jim Otto, and Bengal Bob Johnson.

This line launched the first pro backfield with two 1,000 yard rushers. TE Marv Fleming was a decent blocker as well, and flanker Paul Warfield threw the second most feared "crackback" in the game (after Washington's 215 pound Charley Taylor).

QUARTERBACK: Edge: New England

Tom Brady's got the digits, the jewelry, the collectiveness and the leadership. He's a constant on the Pats' Super Bowl teams, and the man who demanded management go out and sign worthy wideouts. He's accurate, he's long, and he may tie or break Peyton Manning's single season t.d. mark.

Bob Griese's in Canton, but he was best at the midrange game, the rollout, and the "scramble". To be honest, he missed more of '72 than he played, and aging Earl Morrall led much of the 17-0-0 charge.

During Griese's first three seasons as starter- he threw 46 TD's and 50 interceptions. More importanly, during his prime, (1974-76), when surrounded by better teammates, he threw 41 TD's to 40 picks. By then, AFC stars Ken Anderson, Terry Bradshaw, Jim Plunkett, Dan Pastorini, Ken Stabler and Bert Jones were better passers.

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD: Edge: Dolphins

As good as Laurence Maroney is, there's only one of him. The Fish came at opponents with bullish Larry Csonka, gritty Jim Kiick, and the sweeping Eugene "Mercury" Morris. "Zonk" wore defenses down, and never fumbled, Kiick was versatile as back and receiver, and Morris ran the end sweep better than any back in NFL history with the exception of Tony Dorsett. Two of them rambled for 1,000 yards apiece, Kiick added 521, and 21 receptions.

RECEIVING CORPS: Edge: New England

Miami had talented receivers. It was Warfield whose acquistion turned the expansion franchise into a winner. He was a Hall of Famer who was acrobatic on the sidelines and in the air—think of a shiftier, stronger Lynn Swann. Diminutive Howard Twilley had hands of glue, but wasn't very quick. TE's Marv Fleming and Jim Mandich were serviceable, but not prime targets in the run-oriented offense.

Wes Welker, the incomparable and lengthy Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, dependable Jabar Gaffney, Kelley Washington, and TE's Ben Watson and Kyle Brady are better. They are the reason the boys in blue have once again eclipsed Indianapolis in talent, and no secondary can hope to cover them all. Welker alone is second in the league with 96 catches, and has already exceeded 1,000 yards. The game is different now, but that's pretty impressive for a man who came to camp as the third option.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Edge: Dolphins

The first line of defense of the No Name Defense coached by Bill Arnsparger, a unit that played the pass well, the run better, and held the high powered Washington offense scoreless in the Super Bowl (the losers scored on a special teams play botched by Miami placekicker Garo Yepremian).

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