Since we are currently watching the resurgence of one of the greatest franchises in sports, I decided to compare them to the greatest team in Dolphins history, the Undefeated 1972 Squad.  I believe that our team now is being built in the image of the Perfect Season team.  The game has changed a lot since then, but the principles are the same.  Strong defense, strong running game.  And since history repeats itself, let's take a look back so we can see our future.  First part is the Offense; the Defense will come later in the week..

Quarterback

1972 - Bob Griese / Earl Morrall

Now - Chad Pennington / Chad Henne

Griese was a young, talented, Pro Bowl QB.  Morrall was the old reliable vet.  They were efficient, and took advantage of opportunities (which weren't plentiful considering the running game that year).  Right now, we have the "old, reliable vet" starting and performing in the same calm, efficient manner.  I'm of course talking about Chad Pennington.  In the near future, the torch will be passed to Henne, and hopefully Pennington will become the "old, reliable vet" backup QB.  Key: Efficient, smart QB play is essential to the success of a team.  In '72 the QB's job was to hand the ball off and not screw up.  The expectations of our QB have expanded, but it's the same idea.  Run the offense, make the plays asked of you, don't screw up.

Running Back

1972 - Larry Csonka / Mercury Morris / Jim Kiick

Now - Ronnie Brown / Ricky Williams / Patrick Cobbs

We had a 3-headed running attack in '72, just as we have now.  Csonka was the horse, Morris the change of pace/speed back, and Kiick the do-everything utility man.  On today's team, we have Ronnie (horse), Ricky (change of pace), and Cobbs (utility back).  I envision this team being run heavy, putting up numbers similar to the Giants 3-headed attack of this season.  Back in the Perfect Season, Morris and Csonka both exceeded 1,000 yards, and I could see Ronnie and Ricky both reaching that mark in the near future.  Key: A strong running game should be the backbone of a championship offense.  It was the driving force of the top-ranked offense in '72 (Dolphins), and it will be the driving force of the contender Parcells is currently building here in Miami.

Wide Receiver / Tight End

1972 - Paul Warfield / Howard Twilley / Marlin Briscoe / Marv Fleming / Jim Mandich

Now - Ted Ginn Jr. / Greg Camarillo / Davone Bess / Anthony Fasano / David Martin

Not a particular spectactular group that year (Warfield was the leading receiver, with 29 catches for 606 yards), but they made plays when they were needed.  The ball was spread around in the passing game between the receivers, tight ends, and running backs.  It's the same way the ball is being distributed on this year's team.  The leading receiver on the team is Camarillo, with 49 catches, 11 more than Ginn, who's in second place.  All three running backs have over 15 catches.  Both tight ends have 20 or more.  And each guy has stepped up when needed.  Key: They don't need to be Stars, they don't need to be Pro Bowlers, and they don't need to be spectacular playmakers.  They need to be reliable pass catchers who can pick up important third downs and stretch the defense away from the line of scrimmage.  We have a group right now that is devoid of stars, but loaded with solid, players that can do the things you need in a run-heavy offense.

Offensive Line

1972 - Doug Crusan / Bob Kuechenberg / Jim Langer / Larry Little / Norm Evans

Now - Jake Long / Justin Smiley / Samson Satele / Donald Thomas / Vernon Carey

Back in 1972, the O-Line was the foundation for the palace that was the Undefeated Team.  Langer and Little are both HOFers, and Kuechenberg is in the Dolphins Ring of Honor.  They were a huge part of the success had by our 3-headed monster at running back.  And they were all young that season, the oldest of the starting 5 being Evans, at the ripe old age of 30.  Now look at this year's starting line (Donald Thomas inserted because he was the starter pre-injury).  All big.  All young.  A couple potential Pro Bowlers in the mix.  The offensive line is growing into a formidable unit, and should become the keystone to our smashmouth offense.  Key: The offensive line in '72 was big, powerful, and mean as hell.  I don't see much difference now.  They need to be like security guards for the skill position players.  When you build an offense, you start up front, and make that unit the strongest on the team.  That was done in '72, and it's being done today.

Conclusion

The 2008 and beyond Dolphins Offense is looking eerily similar to the Championship offense of the '72 team.  The offense during the Perfect Season was the number 1 ranked in the league, had 2 HOFers on the OL, 2 thousand-yard rushers, a HOF WR, and a HOF QB.  If our team can match - or come close - to that kind of squad, we'll be back on top of the NFL where we belong...