Since their inception in 1966, the Miami Dolphins have witnessed a carousel of quarterbacks, from the iconic to the transient. The team has had notable successes and challenges in their quest to fill the critical quarterback position, a journey marked by legendary names like Dan Marino and Bob Griese.
Let’s embark on a historical overview of Dolphins’ quarterbacks throughout the decades.
1960s
The Dolphins’ infancy featured quarterbacks like Dick Wood, who led the team in its inaugural season, and Bob Griese, who concluded the 60s with 32 starts. Despite the teething issues common with a new franchise, Griese’s arrival in 1967 signaled the onset of stability at the position.
1970s
Bob Griese dominated this decade for Miami, starting 116 games. The pinnacle came during the 1973 season when Griese directed the Dolphins to their second consecutive Super Bowl victory, launching a legacy that would define the franchise.
1980s
The 1980s heralded the era of Dan Marino, who joined the Dolphins in 1983 and rapidly became a pivotal player.
Marino’s arm strength and quick release set numerous NFL passing records, defining the decade and elevating the team’s aerial attack to new heights. He started 101 regular-season games in the 80s and made significant playoff impacts with six post-season starts.
1990s
Marino’s prowess continued into the 1990s, where he started 139 regular-season games and 12 playoff games. His leadership and skill solidified his position as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, though playoff success eluded him in this decade.
2000s
Post-Marino years were challenging for Miami, as the team cycled through numerous quarterbacks.
Jay Fiedler, who started 59 games, had modest success, including three playoff appearances. The decade was marked by a continuous search for a reliable successor to Marino’s throne.
2010s
The quest for stability continued into the 2010s with players like Chad Henne and Ryan Tannehill.
Tannehill, drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, was anticipated to be Miami’s long-term answer but struggled to meet expectations despite starting 88 games. Matt Moore, albeit starting fewer games, managed to appear in a playoff game, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies at quarterback.
2020s
The current decade began with hope as the Dolphins drafted Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick in 2020.
However, injuries have plagued his young career, leading to backup quarterbacks like Jacoby Brissett, Teddy Bridgewater, and Skylar Thompson stepping in. Thompson even started a playoff game in 2022, underlining the team’s ongoing issues with quarterback durability and performance.
As the Dolphins continue navigating the critical quarterback position, the legacy of Marino and Griese looms large, a reminder of the franchise’s glorious past and its ongoing quest to return to those heights. Each quarterback has contributed a chapter to this storied franchise, weaving a narrative filled with triumphs and trials.