Marino Monday: Dan Marino’s first career start vs the Buffalo Bills in 1983

Welcome to Marino Mondays!

Over the next few months, I’m going to be searching the internet looking for some of the GOAT’s best performances throughout his Hall of Fame career. And although the end result might not always be a Miami Dolphins’ victory, I assure you Marino will look damn good throwing the football. These videos will showcase Marino’s rocket arm. They will show off his ability to move effortlessly around in the pocket. You will have a chance to see his lightning quick release and pinpoint accuracy. Most of all, you will get to relive your childhood, and what made most of us fall in love with the Miami Dolphins.

Without further ado, the second installment in the Marino Monday series.

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Dan Marino first career start v.s the Buffalo Bills in 1983

October 9th, 1983

The legend begins!

Although Dan Marino had been given limited opportunities earlier in the year, this game was his very first as the starting quarterback of our beloved Miami Dolphins. In his previous action, Marino combined for 240 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. Shula saw enough to name him the starter in Week 6 of the 1983 season, and wouldn’t look back from there.

This game was incredible, and started out with Marino throwing two costly interceptions. But it wouldn’t be long before the game started to slow down for the GOAT, as he would battle back to give the Dolphins a lead late in the game. Buffalo would eventually score, forcing the game into sudden death overtime. Marino did enough to put the Dolphins in field goal range, not once, but twice. The first was a 52-yard field goal that fell well short of the uprights. The second, and most heartbreaking, was a 42-yard field goal that missed wide right. Buffalo would later drive downfield, and kick a game-winning field goal as the Dolphins fell, 35-38. Most importantly however, a legend was born.

and another look...

35-35 and we’re headed to overtime!

Credit: YouTube

The rest isn’t anything important. The Dolphins miss a 42-yard field goal and the Bills drive downfield to win the game. No one wants to deal with that heartbreak. And to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it after sitting through the 3 hour and 11 minute game. Shout out to @NoahsaDork for hooking me up with some vintage Marino footage. It is greatly appreciated and has changed my life forever.

Do you remember where you were on this historic day in 1983? Have any suggestions on what you would like to see in the next installment of Marino Mondays? Like? Dislike? Let us know in the comments below.

Previous installments.

Dan Marino throws for 5 touchdowns vs New England in 1994

This article was written by Josh Houtz. Follow him on Twitter!

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