In 1972 (before many of you were born), Miami Dolphins starting QB Bob Griese broke his leg while playing against the San Diego Chargers in the fifth game of the season. His backup Earl Morrall came off the bench and completed 8 of 10 passes, throwing for 2 touchdowns as well. Over the next ten weeks, Morrall proceeded to complete 83 of 150 passes for 1,360 yards and 11 touchdowns, continuing the Dolphins winning streak while Griese's leg healed. Morrall led the Dolphins to nine more regular season wins and victory in the AFC semi-final game before Griese returned for the AFC Championship and then the Super Bowl. Earl Morrall even looked old in 1965 Morrall had a reputation as a clutch player. Two years earlier, he had come off the bench in relief of injured Johnny Unitas and led the Colts to victory in Super Bowl V, but he wasn't a guy who was going to light up the scoreboard, even though he could throw the ball to Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield or tight end Jim Mandich, who averaged one touchdown for every fifth catch that season. Miami had an awesome running attack led by Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, and Eugene "Mercury" Morris. They just didn't need to throw the ball very often. Their defense became known as the "No-Name" defense, anchored by NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman Bill Stanfill and Super Bowl MVP safety Jake Scott, both outstanding former Georgia Bulldogs. The No-Name defense earned its moniker from Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry because their high-powered offense received so much more publicity. In a fourteen game regular season, Miami … [Read more...]