finsforce
Practice Squad
Going into this season, the Dolphins offense needed to improve from last year. So, it's no surprise that the offseason moves (free agency, draft, etc.) have primarily dealt with issues on offense. Dolphins owner H. Wayne Huizenga and team executives even went to great lengths to hire new head coach Cam Cameron. Meanwhile, the defense was stellar last season and players like Joey Porter were added, which should help to solidify it's place among the NFL's elite defenses. But, is offense more important than defense?
Dan Marino had the season of all seasons for an NFL quarterback in 1984. The team went 14-2 in the regular season and played in the Super Bowl. Of course, we know what happened after that. Sadly, Marino never made it back to the Big Game. Neither have the Dolphins.
With the dawn of a new season upon us, I wanted to embark upon a quest. I wanted to peer into the annals of Dolphins history to see how successful this team is based upon the performances of its offense and defense. I have displayed the results of this project below. They are as follows:
1. AFL seasons (1966-1969)
2. NFL seasons (1970-present)
Within each of the above season breakdowns you'll see several statistical categories: games played, team record, Dolphins points scored (season/per game), opponents total points scored (season/per game), point differentials, and offensive/defensive ranks
Then, further down the post, I took the results of the above categories and grouped them into 14- and 16-game eras. In other words, I only looked at the seasons following the AFL/NFL merger of 1970. The categories are similar for these results: overall record for each era, number of .500+/losing seasons, their respective records, average points scored (Dolphins/opponents/differentials), and average ranks for offense/defense.
I'll provide an explanation as to what this all means at the end of the post. Unless, of course, you just want to skip right to it already :wink:
Now, for the first portion of the analysis...
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AFL SEASONS (1966-1969)
1966 (14 games; 3-11 record)
Dolphins: 213 pts (15.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 362 pts (25.9 pts/g)
Points differential: - 149 pts (-10.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 9) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 9)
1967 (14 games; 4-10 record)
Dolphins: 219 pts (15.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 407 pts (29.1 pts/g)
Points differential: -188 pts (-13.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 9 (out of 9) - Defensive rank: 8 (out of 9)
1968 (14 games; 5-8-1 record)
Dolphins: 276 pts (19.7 pts/g) - Opponents: 355 pts (25.4 pts/g)
Points differential: -79 pts (-5.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 6 (out of 10) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 10)
1969 (14 games; 3-10-1 record)
Dolphins: 233 pts (16.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 332 pts (23.7 pts/g)
Points differential: -99 pts (-7.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 9 (out of 10) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 10)
--------------------------------------------------
NFL SEASONS (1970-present)
1970 (14 games; 10-4 record)
Dolphins: 297 pts (21.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 228 pts (16.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +69 pts (+4.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 11 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 26)
1971 (14 games; 10-3-1 record)
Dolphins: 315 pts (22.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 174 pts (12.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +141 pts (+10.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 4 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 3 (out of 26)
1972 (14 games; 14-0 record)
Dolphins: 385 pts (27.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 171 pts (12.2 pts/g)
Points differential: +214 pts (+15.3 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 1 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 26)
1973 (14 games; 12-2 record)
Dolphins: 343 pts (24.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 150 pts (10.7 pts/g)
Points differential: +193 pts (+13.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 5 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 26)
1974 (14 games; 11-3 record)
Dolphins: 327 pts (23.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 216 pts (15.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +111 pts (+7.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 3 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 6 (out of 26)
1975 (14 games; 10-4 record)
Dolphins: 357 pts (25.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 222 pts (15.9 pts/g)
Points differential: +135 pts (+9.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 6 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 26)
1976 (14 games; 6-8 record)
Dolphins: 263 pts (18.8 pts/g) - Opponents: 264 pts (18.9 pts/g)
Points differential: -1 pt (-0.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 15 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 15 (out of 28)
1977 (14 games; 10-4 record)
Dolphins: 313 pts (22.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 197 pts (14.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +116 pts (+8.3 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 3 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 28)
1978 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 372 pts (23.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 254 pts (15.9 pts/g)
Points differential: +118 pts (+7.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 2 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 6 (out of 28)
1979 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 341 pts (21.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 257 pts (18.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +84 pts (+5.3 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 11 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 28)
1980 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 266 pts (16.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 305 pts (19.1 pts/g)
Points differential: -39 pts (-2.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 24 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 9 (out of 28)
1981 (16 games; 11-4-1 record)
Dolphins: 345 pts (21.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 275 pts (17.2 pts/g)
Points differential: +70 pts (+4.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 11 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 28)
1982 (9 games; 7-2 record)
Dolphins: 198 pts (22.0 pts/g) - Opponents: 131 pts (14.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +67 pts (+7.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 10 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 2 (out of 28)
1983 (16 games; 12-4 record)
Dolphins: 389 pts (24.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 250 pts (15.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +139 pts (+8.7 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 7 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 28)
1984 (16 games; 14-2 record)
Dolphins: 513 pts (32.1 pts/g) - Opponents: 298 pts (18.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +215 pts (+13.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 1 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 28)
1985 (16 games; 12-4 record)
Dolphins: 428 pts (26.8 pts/g) - Opponents: 320 pts (20 pts/g)
Points differential: +108 pts (+6.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 4 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 12 (out of 28)
1986 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 430 pts (26.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 405 pts (25.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +25 pts (+1.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 1 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 26 (out of 28)
1987 (15 games; 8-7 record)
Dolphins: 362 pts (24.1 pts/g) - Opponents: 335 pts (22.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +27 pts (+1.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 17 (out of 28)
1988 (16 games; 6-10 record)
Dolphins: 319 pts (19.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 380 pts (23.8 pts/g)
Points differential: -61 pts (-3.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 17 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 24 (out of 28)
1989 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 331 pts (20.7 pts/g) - Opponents: 379 pts (23.7 pts/g)
Points differential: -48 pts (-3.0 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 15 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 22 (out of 28)
1990 (16 games; 12-4 record)
Dolphins: 336 pts (21.0 pts/g) - Opponents: 242 pts (15.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +94 pts (+5.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 14 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 28)
1991 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 343 pts (21.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 349 pts (21.8 pts/g)
Points differential: -6 pts (-0.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 6 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 24 (out of 28)
1992 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 340 pts (21.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 281 pts (17.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +59 pts (+3.7 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 12 (out of 28)
1993 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 349 pts (21.8 pts/g) - Opponents: 351 pts (21.9 pts/g)
Points differential: -2 pts (-0.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 5 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 24 (out of 28)
1994 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 389 pts (24.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 327 pts (20.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +62 pts (+3.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 3 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 18 (out of 28)
1995 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 398 pts (24.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 332 pts (20.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +66 pts (+4.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 7 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 10 (out of 30)
1996 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 339 pts (21.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 325 pts (20.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +14 pts (+0.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 13 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 17 (out of 30)
1997 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 339 pts (21.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 327 pts (20.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +12 pts (+0.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 13 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 16 (out of 30)
1998 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 321 pts (20.1 pts/g) - Opponents: 265 pts (16.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +56 pts (+3.5 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 16 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 30)
1999 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 326 pts (20.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 336 pts (21.0 pts/g)
Points differential: -10 pts (-0.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 13 (out of 31) - Defensive rank: 19 (out of 31)
2000 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 323 pts (20.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 226 pts (14.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +97 pts (+6.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 16 (out of 31) - Defensive rank: 3 (out of 31)
2001 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 344 pts (21.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 290 pts (18.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +54 pts (+3.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 31) - Defensive rank: 11 (out of 31)
2002 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 378 pts (23.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 301 pts (18.8 pts/g)
Points differential: +77 pts (+4.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 12 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 32)
2003 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 311 pts (19.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 261 pts (16.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +50 pts (+3.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 17 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 3 (out of 32)
2004 (16 games; 4-12 record)
Dolphins: 275 pts (17.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 354 pts (22.1 pts/g)
Points differential: -79 pts (-4.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 28 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 20 (out of 32)
2005 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 318 pts (19.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 317 pts (19.8 pts/g)
Points differential: 1 pt (+0.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 16 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 15 (out of 32)
2006 (16 games; 6-10 record)
Dolphins: 260 pts (16.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 283 pts (17.7 pts/g)
Points differential: -23 pts (-1.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 29 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 32)
--------------------------------------------------
Essentially, logic prevails here. The Dolphins' season records are better when they are on the plus side of the point differential. In most cases, the higher the differential (in their favor), the better the record. It is difficult to determine from that list whether better offenses or better defenses have contributed to all of the winning seasons. Moreover, there is a lot of variance from season to season. For example, the Dolphins had a +54 differential in the 2001 season, where they went 11-5. The very next season the Dolphins went 9-7, but they had a better differential (+77).
This next section tries to play the law of averages...
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14-GAME ERA (1970-1977)
Overall record (winning percentage): 83-28-1 (.741)
Number of .500+ seasons (years): 7 (1970-75, 1977)
Record (win %): 77-20-1 (.786)
Average points scored... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Dolphins, 385 pts (27.5 pts/g); Opponents, 171 pts (12.2 pts/g); Differentials: +214 pts (+15.3 pts/g)
12 wins: Dolphins, 343 pts (24.5 pts/g); Opponents, 150 pts (10.7 pts/g); Differentials: +193 pts (+13.8 pts/g)
11 wins: Dolphins, 327 pts (23.4 pts/g); Opponents, 216 pts (15.4 pts/g); Differentials: +111 pts (+7.9 pts/g)
10 wins: Dolphins, 321 pts (22.9 pts/g); Opponents, 205 pts (14.6 pts/g); Differentials: +116 pts (+8.3 pts/g)
Average ranks for... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Offense (1), Defense (1)
12 wins: Offense (5), Defense (1)
11 wins: Offense (3), Defense (6)
10 wins: Offense (6), Defense (4)
Number of losing seasons (years): 1 (1976)
Record (win %): 6-8-0 (.429)
Average points scored...
6 wins: Dolphins, 263 pts (18.8 pts/g); Opponents, 264 pts (18.9 pts/g); Differentials: -1 pt (-0.1 pts/g)
Average ranks for...
6 wins: Offense (15), Defense (15)
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16-GAME ERA (1978-present)
Overall record (winning percentage): 270-185-1 (.592)
Number of .500+ seasons (years): 26 (1978-87, 1989-2003, 2005)
Record (win %): 254-153-1 (.623)
Average points scored... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Dolphins, 513 pts (32.1 pts/g); Opponents, 298 pts (18.6 pts/g); Differentials: +215 pts (+13.4 pts/g)
12 wins: Dolphins, 384 pts (24.0 pts/g); Opponents, 271 pts (16.9 pts/g); Differentials: +113 pts (+7.1 pts/g)
11 wins: Dolphins, 345 pts (21.6 pts/g); Opponents, 265 pts (16.6 pts/g); Differentials: +80 pts (+5.0 pts/g)
10 wins: Dolphins, 341 pts (21.3 pts/g); Opponents, 278 pts (17.3 pts/g); Differentials: +63 pts (+3.9 pts/g)
9 wins: Dolphins, 351 pts (21.9 pts/g); Opponents, 327 pts (20.4 pts/g); Differentials: +24 pts (+1.5 pts/g)
8 wins: Dolphins, 339 pts (21.2 pts/g); Opponents, 350 pts (21.9 pts/g); Differentials: -11 pts (-0.7 pts/g)
Average ranks for... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Offense (1), Defense (7)
12 wins: Offense (8), Defense (6)
11 wins: Offense (9), Defense (7)
10 wins: Offense (12), Defense (7)
9 wins: Offense (11), Defense (15)
8 wins: Offense (11), Defense (19)
Number of losing seasons (years): 3 (1988, 2004, 2006)
Record (win %): 16-32-0 (.333)
Average points scored... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
6 wins: Dolphins, 290 pts (18.1 pts/g); Opponents, 332 pts (20.8 pts/g); Differentials: -42 pts (-2.6 pts/g)
4 wins: Dolphins, 275 pts (17.2 pts/g); Opponents, 354 pts (22.1 pts/g); Differentials: -79 pts (-4.9 pts/g)
Average ranks for... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
6 wins: Offense (23), Defense (15)
4 wins: Offense (28), Defense (20)
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The basic principle here is that having a good offense is as equally important as having a good defense. The best chance for a Dolphins team to have a winning season is to have the best of both. So, with all of the changes that this team has undertaken since January, let's hope that Cam Cameron and his staff, along with players like Trent Green, David Martin, Cory Schlesinger, and others (including our draft picks), help get this offense where it needs to be - on the field scoring points... lots of them!
Dan Marino had the season of all seasons for an NFL quarterback in 1984. The team went 14-2 in the regular season and played in the Super Bowl. Of course, we know what happened after that. Sadly, Marino never made it back to the Big Game. Neither have the Dolphins.
With the dawn of a new season upon us, I wanted to embark upon a quest. I wanted to peer into the annals of Dolphins history to see how successful this team is based upon the performances of its offense and defense. I have displayed the results of this project below. They are as follows:
1. AFL seasons (1966-1969)
2. NFL seasons (1970-present)
Within each of the above season breakdowns you'll see several statistical categories: games played, team record, Dolphins points scored (season/per game), opponents total points scored (season/per game), point differentials, and offensive/defensive ranks
Then, further down the post, I took the results of the above categories and grouped them into 14- and 16-game eras. In other words, I only looked at the seasons following the AFL/NFL merger of 1970. The categories are similar for these results: overall record for each era, number of .500+/losing seasons, their respective records, average points scored (Dolphins/opponents/differentials), and average ranks for offense/defense.
I'll provide an explanation as to what this all means at the end of the post. Unless, of course, you just want to skip right to it already :wink:
Now, for the first portion of the analysis...
--------------------------------------------------
AFL SEASONS (1966-1969)
1966 (14 games; 3-11 record)
Dolphins: 213 pts (15.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 362 pts (25.9 pts/g)
Points differential: - 149 pts (-10.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 9) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 9)
1967 (14 games; 4-10 record)
Dolphins: 219 pts (15.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 407 pts (29.1 pts/g)
Points differential: -188 pts (-13.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 9 (out of 9) - Defensive rank: 8 (out of 9)
1968 (14 games; 5-8-1 record)
Dolphins: 276 pts (19.7 pts/g) - Opponents: 355 pts (25.4 pts/g)
Points differential: -79 pts (-5.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 6 (out of 10) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 10)
1969 (14 games; 3-10-1 record)
Dolphins: 233 pts (16.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 332 pts (23.7 pts/g)
Points differential: -99 pts (-7.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 9 (out of 10) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 10)
--------------------------------------------------
NFL SEASONS (1970-present)
1970 (14 games; 10-4 record)
Dolphins: 297 pts (21.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 228 pts (16.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +69 pts (+4.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 11 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 26)
1971 (14 games; 10-3-1 record)
Dolphins: 315 pts (22.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 174 pts (12.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +141 pts (+10.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 4 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 3 (out of 26)
1972 (14 games; 14-0 record)
Dolphins: 385 pts (27.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 171 pts (12.2 pts/g)
Points differential: +214 pts (+15.3 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 1 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 26)
1973 (14 games; 12-2 record)
Dolphins: 343 pts (24.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 150 pts (10.7 pts/g)
Points differential: +193 pts (+13.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 5 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 26)
1974 (14 games; 11-3 record)
Dolphins: 327 pts (23.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 216 pts (15.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +111 pts (+7.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 3 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 6 (out of 26)
1975 (14 games; 10-4 record)
Dolphins: 357 pts (25.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 222 pts (15.9 pts/g)
Points differential: +135 pts (+9.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 6 (out of 26) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 26)
1976 (14 games; 6-8 record)
Dolphins: 263 pts (18.8 pts/g) - Opponents: 264 pts (18.9 pts/g)
Points differential: -1 pt (-0.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 15 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 15 (out of 28)
1977 (14 games; 10-4 record)
Dolphins: 313 pts (22.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 197 pts (14.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +116 pts (+8.3 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 3 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 28)
1978 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 372 pts (23.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 254 pts (15.9 pts/g)
Points differential: +118 pts (+7.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 2 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 6 (out of 28)
1979 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 341 pts (21.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 257 pts (18.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +84 pts (+5.3 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 11 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 28)
1980 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 266 pts (16.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 305 pts (19.1 pts/g)
Points differential: -39 pts (-2.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 24 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 9 (out of 28)
1981 (16 games; 11-4-1 record)
Dolphins: 345 pts (21.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 275 pts (17.2 pts/g)
Points differential: +70 pts (+4.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 11 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 28)
1982 (9 games; 7-2 record)
Dolphins: 198 pts (22.0 pts/g) - Opponents: 131 pts (14.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +67 pts (+7.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 10 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 2 (out of 28)
1983 (16 games; 12-4 record)
Dolphins: 389 pts (24.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 250 pts (15.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +139 pts (+8.7 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 7 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 28)
1984 (16 games; 14-2 record)
Dolphins: 513 pts (32.1 pts/g) - Opponents: 298 pts (18.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +215 pts (+13.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 1 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 7 (out of 28)
1985 (16 games; 12-4 record)
Dolphins: 428 pts (26.8 pts/g) - Opponents: 320 pts (20 pts/g)
Points differential: +108 pts (+6.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 4 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 12 (out of 28)
1986 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 430 pts (26.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 405 pts (25.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +25 pts (+1.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 1 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 26 (out of 28)
1987 (15 games; 8-7 record)
Dolphins: 362 pts (24.1 pts/g) - Opponents: 335 pts (22.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +27 pts (+1.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 17 (out of 28)
1988 (16 games; 6-10 record)
Dolphins: 319 pts (19.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 380 pts (23.8 pts/g)
Points differential: -61 pts (-3.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 17 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 24 (out of 28)
1989 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 331 pts (20.7 pts/g) - Opponents: 379 pts (23.7 pts/g)
Points differential: -48 pts (-3.0 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 15 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 22 (out of 28)
1990 (16 games; 12-4 record)
Dolphins: 336 pts (21.0 pts/g) - Opponents: 242 pts (15.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +94 pts (+5.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 14 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 28)
1991 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 343 pts (21.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 349 pts (21.8 pts/g)
Points differential: -6 pts (-0.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 6 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 24 (out of 28)
1992 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 340 pts (21.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 281 pts (17.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +59 pts (+3.7 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 12 (out of 28)
1993 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 349 pts (21.8 pts/g) - Opponents: 351 pts (21.9 pts/g)
Points differential: -2 pts (-0.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 5 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 24 (out of 28)
1994 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 389 pts (24.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 327 pts (20.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +62 pts (+3.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 3 (out of 28) - Defensive rank: 18 (out of 28)
1995 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 398 pts (24.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 332 pts (20.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +66 pts (+4.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 7 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 10 (out of 30)
1996 (16 games; 8-8 record)
Dolphins: 339 pts (21.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 325 pts (20.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +14 pts (+0.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 13 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 17 (out of 30)
1997 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 339 pts (21.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 327 pts (20.4 pts/g)
Points differential: +12 pts (+0.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 13 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 16 (out of 30)
1998 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 321 pts (20.1 pts/g) - Opponents: 265 pts (16.6 pts/g)
Points differential: +56 pts (+3.5 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 16 (out of 30) - Defensive rank: 1 (out of 30)
1999 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 326 pts (20.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 336 pts (21.0 pts/g)
Points differential: -10 pts (-0.6 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 13 (out of 31) - Defensive rank: 19 (out of 31)
2000 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 323 pts (20.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 226 pts (14.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +97 pts (+6.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 16 (out of 31) - Defensive rank: 3 (out of 31)
2001 (16 games; 11-5 record)
Dolphins: 344 pts (21.5 pts/g) - Opponents: 290 pts (18.1 pts/g)
Points differential: +54 pts (+3.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 8 (out of 31) - Defensive rank: 11 (out of 31)
2002 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 378 pts (23.6 pts/g) - Opponents: 301 pts (18.8 pts/g)
Points differential: +77 pts (+4.8 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 12 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 4 (out of 32)
2003 (16 games; 10-6 record)
Dolphins: 311 pts (19.4 pts/g) - Opponents: 261 pts (16.3 pts/g)
Points differential: +50 pts (+3.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 17 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 3 (out of 32)
2004 (16 games; 4-12 record)
Dolphins: 275 pts (17.2 pts/g) - Opponents: 354 pts (22.1 pts/g)
Points differential: -79 pts (-4.9 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 28 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 20 (out of 32)
2005 (16 games; 9-7 record)
Dolphins: 318 pts (19.9 pts/g) - Opponents: 317 pts (19.8 pts/g)
Points differential: 1 pt (+0.1 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 16 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 15 (out of 32)
2006 (16 games; 6-10 record)
Dolphins: 260 pts (16.3 pts/g) - Opponents: 283 pts (17.7 pts/g)
Points differential: -23 pts (-1.4 pts/g)
Offensive rank: 29 (out of 32) - Defensive rank: 5 (out of 32)
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Essentially, logic prevails here. The Dolphins' season records are better when they are on the plus side of the point differential. In most cases, the higher the differential (in their favor), the better the record. It is difficult to determine from that list whether better offenses or better defenses have contributed to all of the winning seasons. Moreover, there is a lot of variance from season to season. For example, the Dolphins had a +54 differential in the 2001 season, where they went 11-5. The very next season the Dolphins went 9-7, but they had a better differential (+77).
This next section tries to play the law of averages...
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14-GAME ERA (1970-1977)
Overall record (winning percentage): 83-28-1 (.741)
Number of .500+ seasons (years): 7 (1970-75, 1977)
Record (win %): 77-20-1 (.786)
Average points scored... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Dolphins, 385 pts (27.5 pts/g); Opponents, 171 pts (12.2 pts/g); Differentials: +214 pts (+15.3 pts/g)
12 wins: Dolphins, 343 pts (24.5 pts/g); Opponents, 150 pts (10.7 pts/g); Differentials: +193 pts (+13.8 pts/g)
11 wins: Dolphins, 327 pts (23.4 pts/g); Opponents, 216 pts (15.4 pts/g); Differentials: +111 pts (+7.9 pts/g)
10 wins: Dolphins, 321 pts (22.9 pts/g); Opponents, 205 pts (14.6 pts/g); Differentials: +116 pts (+8.3 pts/g)
Average ranks for... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Offense (1), Defense (1)
12 wins: Offense (5), Defense (1)
11 wins: Offense (3), Defense (6)
10 wins: Offense (6), Defense (4)
Number of losing seasons (years): 1 (1976)
Record (win %): 6-8-0 (.429)
Average points scored...
6 wins: Dolphins, 263 pts (18.8 pts/g); Opponents, 264 pts (18.9 pts/g); Differentials: -1 pt (-0.1 pts/g)
Average ranks for...
6 wins: Offense (15), Defense (15)
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16-GAME ERA (1978-present)
Overall record (winning percentage): 270-185-1 (.592)
Number of .500+ seasons (years): 26 (1978-87, 1989-2003, 2005)
Record (win %): 254-153-1 (.623)
Average points scored... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Dolphins, 513 pts (32.1 pts/g); Opponents, 298 pts (18.6 pts/g); Differentials: +215 pts (+13.4 pts/g)
12 wins: Dolphins, 384 pts (24.0 pts/g); Opponents, 271 pts (16.9 pts/g); Differentials: +113 pts (+7.1 pts/g)
11 wins: Dolphins, 345 pts (21.6 pts/g); Opponents, 265 pts (16.6 pts/g); Differentials: +80 pts (+5.0 pts/g)
10 wins: Dolphins, 341 pts (21.3 pts/g); Opponents, 278 pts (17.3 pts/g); Differentials: +63 pts (+3.9 pts/g)
9 wins: Dolphins, 351 pts (21.9 pts/g); Opponents, 327 pts (20.4 pts/g); Differentials: +24 pts (+1.5 pts/g)
8 wins: Dolphins, 339 pts (21.2 pts/g); Opponents, 350 pts (21.9 pts/g); Differentials: -11 pts (-0.7 pts/g)
Average ranks for... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
14 wins: Offense (1), Defense (7)
12 wins: Offense (8), Defense (6)
11 wins: Offense (9), Defense (7)
10 wins: Offense (12), Defense (7)
9 wins: Offense (11), Defense (15)
8 wins: Offense (11), Defense (19)
Number of losing seasons (years): 3 (1988, 2004, 2006)
Record (win %): 16-32-0 (.333)
Average points scored... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
6 wins: Dolphins, 290 pts (18.1 pts/g); Opponents, 332 pts (20.8 pts/g); Differentials: -42 pts (-2.6 pts/g)
4 wins: Dolphins, 275 pts (17.2 pts/g); Opponents, 354 pts (22.1 pts/g); Differentials: -79 pts (-4.9 pts/g)
Average ranks for... (rounded to the nearest whole number)
6 wins: Offense (23), Defense (15)
4 wins: Offense (28), Defense (20)
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The basic principle here is that having a good offense is as equally important as having a good defense. The best chance for a Dolphins team to have a winning season is to have the best of both. So, with all of the changes that this team has undertaken since January, let's hope that Cam Cameron and his staff, along with players like Trent Green, David Martin, Cory Schlesinger, and others (including our draft picks), help get this offense where it needs to be - on the field scoring points... lots of them!