On This Date in Sports December 24, 1972: Playoff Scare (50 Years of Perfection Divisional Playoff Round)
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Dolphins, in collaboration with Sportsecyclopedia.com.
The Miami Dolphins survived a scare against the Cleveland Browns in the Divisional Round, winning 20-14, as Jim Kiick's eight-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter proved to be the game-winner. The Dolphins' defense intercepted Mike Phipps five times while Earl Morrall struggled, passing for 88 yards on six completions. The Browns had taken the lead midway in the final quarter after Miami held a 10-0 lead at the half.
The Cleveland Browns went into the playoffs with a 10-4 record as the AFC's Wild Card team. Coached by Nick Skorich, the Browns won eight of their final nine games after starting 2-3. The Browns were led by Leroy Kelly, who had a fine season, rushing for 811 yards. At the time, only one team made the playoffs other than the three division winners, earning the Wild Card spot in the NFL playoffs.
After finishing 14-0, the Dolphins had a decision to make, as Bob Griese was able to play. Still, Don Shula decided to keep Earl Morrall in at quarterback as Miami hosted the Browns for the right to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. Listed as 13-point favorites, the Dolphins had a chance to score early as Doug Swift intercepted Mike Phipps, but the Dolphins failed to advance the ball as Garo Yepremian missed a 46-yard field goal.
The Dolphins' first points would come on special teams as Charlie Babb blocked Don Cockroft's punt and returned it for a touchdown. The Dolphins would add a 40-yard Yepremian field goal to take a 10-0 lead but could not add to their lead before halftime. Miami had several scoring opportunities but could not add to their lead, as Curtis Johnson and Dick Anderson's interceptions did not lead to any more points for the Dolphins.
Trailing 10-0, the Browns were given a boost by a 38-yard punt return from Thom Darden. The Browns would score on a five-yard sneak by Mike Phipps, cutting Miami's lead to three points. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins got a 46-yard field goal by Garo Yepremian but could not retain the momentum, as the Browns had a long drive to take a 14-13 lead. Fair Hooker led the way down the field for the Browns, with an 18-yard reception, before scoring on a 27-yard pass from Mike Phipps.
With history on the line, the Dolphins had their best drive of the game, going 80 yards in six plays to regain the lead. Earl Morrall, who struggled all game, had passes of 35 and 15 yards to Paul Warfield, as Jim Kiick scored on an eight-yard run with 4:49 on the clock. The Browns had a chance to answer, but Doug Swift's second interception of Mike Phipps preserved the Dolphins' 20-14 win.
Mercury Morris led the Dolphins' offense, rushing for 72 yards on 15 carries,, Jim Kiick rushed for 50 yards, and Larry Csonka had 32 yards. With the win, the Dolphins would advance to the AFC Championship, while the Browns would not return to the playoffs until 1980.