Miami Dolphins: The 13 Most Triumphant Moments in Dolphins History

For whatever reason, this offseason has been littered with a slew of depressing, oppressive slideshows. We've talked about draft busts, worst moments, free agent gaffes, amongst a few other cringe-worthy topics.

So, today we're going to change the tune a little bit and reflect on the most triumphant moments in team history. Before this past decade dragged the 'Fins down into mediocrity, they consistently sat atop the football world alongside the Steelers, Cowboys, 49ers and the like. Surprisingly, a bunch of these moments still came from the past few years, but Don Shula era gave us the most significant moments.

No. 13: Fiedler Sneaks in a Win Against the Raiders

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Everybody (especially Dolfans) loves to make a great deal about Miami's post-Marino quarterback whiffs. But from 2000-2003, Jay Fiedler posted a 35-17 record as the team's starter, yet he hardly receives even the slightest nod of respect.

Granted Fiedler was often an offensive detriment, he had unbreakable grittiness as evident in a 2001 Week 2 game against the Oakland Raiders. In the league's first week back since the 9-11 attacks, the Dolphins trailed the Raiders by five points with 1:41 remaining in the fourth quarterback.

In just 96 seconds, Fiedler led Miami on a 10-play, 80-yard drive, capped off by a gutsy two-yard scramble for a touchdown. This game didn't have any historical context, but this is more of a tip of the hat to Fiedler and his underrated run with the 'Fins.

No. 12: Miami Shocks New England in 2004 Monday Night Match Up

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 20: Defensive end Jason Taylor #99 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a sack of quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter on December 20, 2004 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eliot J. S

The Dolphins played their fair share of meaningless games during the 2000s, but few were as inconsequential as their 2004 "Monday Night Football" matchup versus the reigning champion New England Patriots.

Miami, under the direction of interim head coach Jim Bates, was 2-11 entering the night. The Patriots, meanwhile, were scorching hot, boasting a 12-1 record and a seemingly unbeatable formula.

But Jason Taylor always has Tom Brady's number on speed dial, and he wreaked havoc on the quarterback throughout the night while A.J. Feely led the 'Fins offensively. In a thrilling game, the Dolphins topped the eventual Super Bowl champs 29-28.

No. 11: Ricky Williams' Scamper Breaks the Jets' Winning Streak

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Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams rushes to midfield December 28, 2003 at Pro Player Stadium, Miami, Florida. Williams scored a touchdown and the Dolphins defeated the New York Jets 23 - 21. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

In the four years leading up to the 2002 regular season, the Miami Dolphins had not defeated the New York Jets. Yes, in the teams' eight most recent matchups, the Jets had emerged victorious in every single game. Maybe it doesn't sound that crazy, but imagine not beating the Jets for the next four years.

But when the two met in Week 3 of the '02 season, the Dolphins were anchored by a shiny new weapon: Ricky Williams. Ricky torched New York for 151 rushing yards, including his iconic game-winning 53-yard scamper in overtime.

No. 10: Lamar Smith Leads Miami Past the Colts

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30 Dec 2000: Lamar Smith #26 of the Miami Dolphins breaks the line for a gain during their game against the Indianapolis Colts at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons/ALLSPORT

If this was a list about greatest individual efforts in team history, Lamar Smith would easily sit atop it. In the 2000 Wild Card Playoff Round, the Dolphins were matched up with the Indianapolis Colts at Pro Player Stadium.

For the most part, the 'Fins and Colts were evenly matched, and the results reflected that notion. Behind running back Lamar Smith's legendary 40-carry, 209-yard performance, Miami pushed Indy into overtime where Jay Fiedler connected with tight end Jed Weaver for a game-winning nine-yard touchdown connection.

No. 9: The Wildcat Is Born

One season after the New England Patriots absolutely obliterated and humiliated the Dolphins twice—including a blowout in which Bill Belichick put Tom Brady back in the game despite a massive lead—Miami sought revenge.

And revenge came in the form of a revolutionary formation, one which would put Miami past the Patriots and into the 2008 playoffs.

No. 8: Marino Shocks with Jets with the Fake Spike

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27 Nov 1994: MIAMI DOLPHINS QUARTERBACK DAN MARINO IN ACTION DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE JETS V MIAMI GAME AT GIANTS STADIUM IN THE MEADOWLANDS, NJ. MARINO FINISHED THE DAY, 31 OF 44 FOR 359 YARDS AND FOUR TOUCHDOWNS TO WIDE RECEIVER MARK INGRAM, AS THE

Down 24-6 to the New York Jets in Week 13 of the 1994 regular season, all hope seemed lost. Boomer Esiason was red hot, the Dolphins' offensive was lethargic and another demoralizing loss would wash their playoff hopes down the drain.

But you never could count Dan Marino out of any game, and he offered a stern reminder as to why he is one of the best of all time—using a little sleight of hand as his grand finale.

No. 7: Greg Camarillo Helps 'Fins Dodge Imperfection in 2007

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Greg Camarillo #83 of the Miami Dolphins breaks away from defensive back Jamaine Winborne #28 of the Baltimore Ravens for the game winning touchdown in overtime at Dolphin Stadium on December 16, 2007 in Miami, Florida.

Remember what I said about Miami playing in meaningless games a few slides ago? Well, that mantra reached new heights in 2007 when the Dolphins were on a direct path towards imperfection.

It was an embarrassment of a roster, anchored by the likes of Cleo Lemon, Jesse Chatman and Samkon Gado.

Entering Week 15, Miami sat at 0-13, and their matchup against a measly Ravens squad basically presented their final chance to avoid imperfection. And you know the rest. Greg Camarillo snatches a deep slant pass from Lemon in overtime, storms in the end zone and Miami parties like it's 1972.

No. 6: Merling's Pick Six; Pennington Get Revenge; Dolphins Clinch AFC East

The scene was set for an Old Western showdown. Week 17—winner clinches the AFC East title and a playoff spot. Loser goes home.

Chad Pennington, after eight years with Jets, was ostracized from town to make room for the ole gunslinger, Brett Favre just months earlier.

Pennington quickly found refuge in Miami, where he quickly emerged as the leader of a team that struggled to a 1-15 record the season before. After losing the season opener to the Jets, Pennington and the Dolphins surged to a 10-5 record, leaving them one shy of a historical turnaround entering the Week 17 epic.

On a cold and gloomy afternoon in New York, Pennington sought his revenge, and he got it. Miami marched to a 24-17 victory, defeating Brett Favre (and his cell phone) and the Jets.

No. 5: Miami Stomps the Chicago Bear's Run at Perfection in 1985

Once the Dolphins broke the perfection barrier in 1972, the franchise immediately had a target on its back. At the start of every season, each NFL team strives to topple Miami's most prided achievement, hoping to cease the team's champagne-popping ritual once and for all.

In 1985, the Chicago Bears mounted a ferocious defense and a bruising offense. They presented the greatest threat to perfection the league had seen since '72. Until they ran into the Dolphins, that is.

No. 4: Dan Marino Sets Record for Most Passing TDs in a Season and Career

Although these are technically two separate moments in Dolphins history, they are both equally as triumphant and significant. The face of the Miami Dolphins from 1983 to 1999, Dan Marino, shattered the single season passing touchdowns record and later the career touchdowns record.

His achievements as a Dolphin literally cannot be understated, and if he had snagged a Super Bowl ring, that moment may have topped this entire list.

No. 3: Don Shula Breaks the Record for Most Wins by a Head Coach

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17 NOV 1993: HEAD COACH DON SHULA OF THE MIAMI DOLPHINS CELEBRATES A 19-14 WIN OVER THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT VETERANS STADIUM IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA. THE VICTORY WAS SHULA''S 325TH, MAKING HIM THE WINNINGEST COACH IN NFL HISTORY. Mandatory Cre

According to an article written by Len Pasquarelli sometime in the early 2000s (ESPN archives neglected the date), the average NFL head coaching tenure hovers somewhere around 2.75 years. So if Don Shula coached the Dolphins for 26 years, then he is what one might call an anomaly.

Shula basically defines both the Miami Dolphins and greatness. He retired with a .659 winning percentage with the 'Fins, making them one of the most recognizable and celebrated sports teams in the entire world.

After his two Super Bowl victories, Shula's greatest moment may have come in a 1993 game versus the Philadelphia Eagles when he broke the record for most career wins by a head coach.

No. 2: Back to Back

They had nothing to win and everything to lose, but the 1973 Miami Dolphins emerged from the shadow of perfection to capture their second straight Super Bowl title.

The '73 Fins lost only two games en route to their second championship, but this roster was almost—if not equally—as talented as the 1972 squad.

No. 1: Perfection

In the dictionary, the illustration next to perfection should be the 1972 Dolphins carrying Don Shula off the field on their shoulders.