1966 Miami Dolphins season

Inaugural season for Miami's AFL team December 2013 March 2026 Miami Dolphins 1966 3–11 5th AFL Eastern George Wilson Orange Bowl Joe Robbie Chuck Burr Did not qualify None true 4 SS Willie West DB Jimmy Warren DE Ed Cooke LB Tom Erlandson Dolphins seasons The 1966 Miami Dolphins season was the team's inaugural year as an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). The Dolphins were the first of two expansion teams in the AFL, founded by Minneapolis attorney-politician Joe Robbie and actor-comedian Danny Thomas.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-PdRAAAAIBAJ&pg=7240%2C3606032 St. Petersburg Times Associated Press Miami to join AFL in '66 August 17, 1965 1C June 15, 2019https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=iUcqAAAAIBAJ&pg=4729%2C420559 Pittsburgh Press United Press International Miami granted AFL franchise August 17, 1965 39 June 15, 2019https://www.si.com/vault/1966/08/08/608643/win-one-for-the-flipper Sports Illustrated Brody Tom C. Win one for the Flipper August 8, 1966 24 June 15, 2019 Future Harlem Globetrotters and Montreal Canadiens owner George N. Gillett, Jr. was a minority partner,The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory Jenish, D’Arcy 296 Doubleday 2009 978-0-385-66325-0 Toronto, Ontario and the team was led by head coach George Wilson. The franchise was granted in August 1965 for $7.5 million.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QVYaAAAAIBAJ&pg=4026%2C4054060 Milwaukee Journal Journal Wire Services Miami gets franchise for AFL team in 1966 August 17, 1965 11 June 15, 2019 Their regular season debut on September 2 began with Joe Auer returning the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown,100 Things Dolphins Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, Armando Salguero, Triumph Books, Chicago, 2020, ISBN 978-1-62937-722-3, p.19 but the Dolphins lost to the Oakland Raiders, 23–14.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=p1IqAAAAIBAJ&pg=7404%2C565024 Pittsburgh Press United Press International Raiders rip Miami, 23-14, in AFL debut September 3, 1966 10 June 15, 2019 Auer was the leading scorer for the season and was named team MVP. With an odd number of teams, each of the nine AFL teams had two bye weeks and played fourteen games. Miami lost its first five games before beating the Denver Broncos in the Orange Bowl. The Dolphins defeated the Houston Oilers the following week for their first road win in franchise history, but then lost the next six consecutive games. In week 16, Miami won against the Oilers again to finish the season with a 3–11 record. Having defeated the Oilers twice, the Dolphins became the first ever expansion team in the Super Bowl era to sweep a division rival, and the last until the Jacksonville Jaguars did it in 1995 against the Cleveland Browns. Of the original roster, only two players (offensive tackle Norm Evans and wide receiver Howard Twilley) went on to play for the undefeated 1972 team. 2 Offseason The Dolphins selected players both via participation in the 1966 American Football League draft, held in November 1965, and via a dedicated "stocking draft" held in January 1966. In the latter, the Dolphins could select certain players from existing AFL teams.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star-stocking-draft-complete/202413143/ Stocking Draft Completed: Miami Signs Gene Mingo AP The Lincoln Star Lincoln, Nebraska 30 January 20, 1966 July 25, 2026 newspapers.com AFL draft With the first pick overall, the Dolphins selected running back Jim Grabowski out of the University of Illinois.NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, 0-7611-2480-2, p. 396 Grabowski was also drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League's draft. The result was a bidding war between the two franchises to obtain Grabowski's services. The Packers signed Grabowski and he played for them for five seasons. 1966 Miami Dolphins 1 1 Jim Grabowski Running back Illinois Signed with the Green Bay Packers 1 2 Rick Norton Quarterback Kentucky Played with the Dolphins 1966–1969 yes 2 9 Frank Emanuel Linebacker Tennessee Played with the Dolphins 1966–1969 yes 3 18 Larry Gagner Guard Florida Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers no 4 26 Dick Leftridge Fullback West Virginia Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers no 5 34 Grady Bolton Tackle Mississippi State no 6 42 Ed Weisacosky Linebacker Miami (FL) Played with the 1967 New York Giants, then with the Dolphins 1968–1970 no 7 51 Don Hansen Linebacker Illinois Signed with the Minnesota Vikings no 8 64 Bob Petrella Defensive back Tennessee Played with the Dolphins 1966–1971 yes 9 74 Bill Matan Defensive end Kansas State no 10 83 Pat Killorin Cornerback Syracuse Signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers no 11 92 Sammy Price Running back Illinois Played with the Dolphins 1966–1968 yes 12 101 Howard Twilley Wide receiver Tulsa Played with the Dolphins 1966–1976 yes 13 110 Kent Kramer Tight end Minnesota Played in the NFL 1966–1974 no 14 119 Phil Scoggin Placekicker Texas A&M no 15 128 Jerry Oliver Tackle Texas State no 16 137 Don Lorenz Defensive end Stephen F. Austin no 17 146 Mike Bender Guard Arkansas no 18 155 Rich Kestner End Kentucky no 19 164 Doug Moreau Tight end Louisiana State Played with the Dolphins 1966–1969 yes 20 173 John Tooker Defensive back Adams State no no no Source:https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1966_draft.htm 1966 Miami Dolphins draftees Pro-Football-Reference.com October 18, 2014 AFL redshirt draft 1966 Miami Dolphins Redshirt 1 1 John Roderick Wide receiver SMU yes no Redshirt 2 10 Danny Fulford End Auburn no no Redshirt 3 19 Jack Clancy Wide receiver Michigan yes yes Redshirt 4 28 Jim Mankins Running back Florida State no no Redshirt 5 37 Fritz Greenlee Linebacker Northern Arizona no no Redshirt 6 46 Bill Darnall Wide receiver North Carolina yes no Redshirt 7 55 Don Williams Defensive tackle Wofford no no Redshirt 8 64 Jon Brittenum Quarterback Arkansas no no Redshirt 9 73 Craig Baynham Running back Georgia Tech no no Redshirt 10 82 Randy Winkler Tackle Tarleton State no no Redshirt 11 91 Kai Anderson Center Illinois no no yes no Undrafted free agents + 1966 undrafted free agents of notePlayerPositionCollegeKarl NoonanWide receiverIowaJack PuglisiFullbackWisconsin–SuperiorPhil RatnerDefensive endCornell Personnel Coaches / Staff 1966 Miami Dolphins President – Joe Robbie Director of player personnel – Joe Thomas Head coach – George Wilson Offensive backs – John Idzik Receivers – Bobby Walston Offensive line – Ernie Hefferle Defensive line – Les Bingaman Linebackers – Bob Pellegrini Defensive backs – Tom Keane Kicking – Bobby Walston Roster 1966 Miami Dolphins 15 John Stofa 10 George Wilson quarterback y P 18 Dick Wood 32 Joe Auer 28 George Chesser y P  2 Cookie Gilchrist 33 Billy Joe American football 30 Sammy Price y American football 26 Frank Jackson American football 82 Doug Moreau y 89 Karl Noonan y 40 Bo Roberson 90 Bill Cronin tight end 83 Dave Kocourek 73 Norm Evans T 58 Tom Goode C American football 65 Jim Higgins G/T no 52 Mike Hudock C 63 Billy Neighbors G 61 Ernie Park G 75 Ken Rice American football G/T 78 Maxie Williams T 32 Mel Branch DE 72 Whit Canale DE/DT 80 Ed Cooke American football DE 79 Alphonse Dotson DT 88 Laverne Torczon DE 77 Rich Zecher DT 56 Bob Bruggers y MLB 50 Frank Emanuel y MLB 53 Tom Erlandson linebacker, born 1940 OLB 35 Stan Mitchell American football y OLB 55 Jack Rudolph American football OLB 44 Pete Jaquess FS 43 Bob Neff CB 48 Bob Petrella y SS 49 Jimmy Warren CB 22 Willie West SS 25 Dick Westmoreland CB 21 Gene Mingo K -- Jim Davidson no T IR 85 Johnny Holmes y no DE 54 Wahoo McDaniel LB IR 47 John McGeever S IR 76 Tom Nomina DT IR 11 Rick Norton y QB IR -- Ross O'Hanley S IR 87 John Roderick American football y WR IR 59 Jack Thornton y no LB IR 81 Howard Twilley y WR IR 46 Hal Wantland S IR y -- Eddie Wilson American football QB IR 84 Earl Faison DE 24 Billy Hunter basketball WR 23 Wes Matthews y no WR Source:https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1966_roster.htm Pre Football Reference Miami Dolphins: 1966 roster August 11, 2018 Schedule Pre-season Week Date Opponent Result Record Attendance1 August 6 at San Diego Chargers L 10–38 0–1 2 August 12 Kansas City Chiefs L 0–33 0–234,277 3 August 20 New York Jets (at Jacksonville) L 14–31 0–34 August 24 Denver Broncos (at Memphis) L 16–28 0–4 Regular season Two bye weeks were necessary in 1966, as the league expanded to an odd-number (9) of teams; one team was idle each week (three teams were idle in week one). The Dolphins played three teams from each division twice, and one in each once (Boston, San Diego) Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance GameRecap 1 September 2, 1966 Oakland Raiders L 14–23 0–1 Miami Orange Bowl 25,188 Recap 2 September 9, 1966 New York Jets L 14–19 0–2 Miami Orange Bowl 33,650 Recap 3 September 18 at Buffalo Bills L 24–58 0–3 War Memorial Stadium 37,176 Recap 4 Bye5 October 2 at San Diego Chargers L 10–44 0–4 Balboa Stadium 26,444 Recap 6 October 9 at Oakland Raiders L 10–21 0–5 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum 28,863 Recap 7 October 16 Denver Broncos W 24–7 1–5 Miami Orange Bowl 22,191 Recap 8 October 23 at Houston Oilers W 20–13 2–5 Rice Stadium 21,999 Recap 9 Bye 10 November 6 Buffalo Bills L 0–29 2–6 Miami Orange Bowl 36,685 Recap 11 November 13 at Kansas City Chiefs L 16–34 2–7 Municipal Stadium 33,733 Recap 12 November 20 at New York Jets L 13–30 2–8 Shea Stadium 57,092 Recap 13 November 27 Boston Patriots L 14–20 2–9 Miami Orange Bowl 22,480 Recap 14 December 4 at Denver Broncos L 7–17 2–10 Bears Stadium 32,116 Recap 15 December 11 Kansas City Chiefs L 18–19 2–11 Miami Orange Bowl 17,881 Recap 16 December 18 Houston Oilers W 29–28 3–11 Miami Orange Bowl 19,274 Recap Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1 Raiders 0 10 7 6 Dolphins 7 0 0 7 September 2 Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 8:00 p.m. 82 F, wind 6 mph yes 1 MIA Joe Auer 95 yard kickoff return (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 7–0 2 OAK Mike Mercer 16 yard field goal Miami 7–3 2 OAK Hewritt Dixon 2 yard rush (Mike Mercer kick) Oakland 10–7 3 OAK Art Powell 16 yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer kick) Oakland 17–7 4 MIA Rick Casares 2 yard pass from Rick Norton (Mike Mercer kick) Oakland 17–14 4 OAK Tom Mitchell 16 yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Mercer missed extra point kick) Oakland 23–14 yes The Dolphins' regular season debut was a home game against the Oakland Raiders on Friday night, September 2; Miami running back Joe Auer returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. An extra point kick by Gene Mingo allowed the Dolphins to lead 7–0 barely into the start of the game. Miami was unable to retain the lead, however, with the Raiders scoring a field goal in the second quarter and two touchdowns (one each in the second and third quarters) – a total of 17 points. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins narrowed the score with a touchdown reception from Rick Norton to Rick Casares. However, Oakland responded with another touchdown – a 16-yard pass to Tom Mitchell from Tom Flores. The game ended with a 23–14 loss for Miami.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196609020mia.htm Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – September 2nd, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com April 28, 2017 Week 2 Jets 9 0 10 0 Dolphins 0 0 0 14 September 9 Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 82 F, wind 10 mph yes 1 NYJ Safety Rick Norton tackled in the end zone New York 2–0 1 NYJ George Sauer, Jr. 20 yard pass from Mike Taliaferro (Jim Turner kick) New York 9–0 3 NYJ Bill Mathis 4 yard rush (Jim Turner Kick) New York 16–0 3 NYJ Jim Turner 45 yard field goal New York 19–0 4 MIA Dave Kocourek 43 yard pass from Rick Norton (Gene Mingo kick) New York 19–7 4 MIA Pete Jaquess 27 yard interception return (Gene Mingo kick) New York 19–14 yes In their first ever intradivisional game, the Dolphins played against the AFL Eastern Division rival New York Jets at the Orange Bowl on Friday night, September 9.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OfcuAAAAIBAJ&pg=7287%2C4455318 Pittsburgh Press UPI Jets squeeze Miami, 19-14, in AFL debut September 10, 1966 10 Miami trailed the entire game, with the Jets scoring a safety (by tackling Rick Norton in the end zone) and a touchdown in the first quarter. New York added a field goal and a touchdown in the third quarter, while holding Miami scoreless until the fourth quarter. By then, the Dolphins scored a touchdown – a 43-yard reception from Norton to Dave Kocourek.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196609090mia.htm New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – September 9th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com April 28, 2017 Later in the quarter, Jets quarterback Joe Namath was intercepted by defensive back Pete Jaquess, who returned the ball 27 yards for another touchdown. However, Miami was unable to complete a comeback and lost 19–14.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10612654/biddefordsaco_journal/ Miami Dolphins Throw Scare At New York Jets Associated Press Journal Tribune April 28, 2017 Newspapers.com Week 3 Dolphins 3 7 0 14 Bills 21 27 3 7 September 18 War Memorial Stadium, Buffalo, New York 61 F, wind 3 mph yes 1 BUF Jack Kemp 1 yard rush (Booth Lusteg) Buffalo 7–0 1 BUF Butch Byrd 60 yard interception return (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 14–0 1 BUF Butch Byrd 72 yard punt return (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 21–0 1 MIA Gene Mingo 24 yard field goal Buffalo 21–3 2 BUF Bobby Crockett 26 yard pass from Jack Kemp (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 28–3 2 BUF Bobby Burnett 1 yard rush (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 35–3 2 BUF Bobby Burnett 3 yard rush (Booth Lustef missed extra point kick) Buffalo 41–3 2 MIA John Roderick 4 yard pass from George Wilson (Gene Mingo kick) Buffalo 41–10 2 BUF Jack Spikes 11 yard rush (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 48–10 3 BUF Booth Lusteg 13 yard field goal Buffalo 51–10 4 MIA Bo Roberson 66 yard pass from George Wilson (Gene Mingo kick) Buffalo 51–17 4 BUF Jack Spikes 18 yard pass from Daryle Lamonica (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 58–17 4 MIA Dave Kocourek 13 yard pass from George Wilson (Gene Mingo kick) Buffalo 58–24 yes For their first division rivalry game against the Buffalo Bills on September 18, Miami traveled to the War Memorial Stadium in Buffalo. The Bills dominated the Dolphins throughout the game. In the first quarter, the Buffalo scored three touchdown before Miami kicked a field goal. The Bills then added four touchdowns in the second quarter, versus one by the Dolphins. After the first half, the score was 48–10 in favor of the Bills. The only score in the third quarter was a field goal by Booth Lusteg of Buffalo. Three touchdowns were scored in the fourth quarter, two for Miami and one for Buffalo. The Bills defeated the Dolphins by a score of 58–24,https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196609180buf.htm Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills – September 18th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com April 28, 2017 which remains one of the worst losses by Miami in the history of the Bills–Dolphins rivalry.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=mia&tm2=buf&yr=all All Matchups, Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills Pro-Football-Reference.com April 28, 2017 Week 5 Dolphins 3 7 0 0 Chargers 0 6 10 28 October 2 Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California 26,444 71 F, wind 9 mph yes 1 MIA Gene Mingo 27 yard field goal Miami 3–0 2 MIA Karl Noonan 20 yard pass from Dick Wood (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 10–0 2 SAN Rick Redman 58 yard fumble return (Dick Van Raaphorst missed extra point kick) Miami 10–6 3 SAN Dick Van Raaphorst 9 yard field goal Miami 10–9 3 SAN Gene Foster 25 yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick) San Diego 16–10 4 SAN Lance Alworth 44 yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick) San Diego 23–10 4 SAN Gene Foster 63 yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick) San Diego 30–10 4 SAN Lance Alworth 36 yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick) San Diego 37–10 4 SAN Willie Frazier 30 yard pass from Steve Tensi (Dick Van Raaphorst kick) San Diego 44–10 yes Coming off their first bye week, the Miami Dolphins traveled to Balboa Stadium in San Diego in week 5 in search for their first win. The Dolphins began the game with a 10-point lead – a field goal by Gene Mingo and a Karl Noonan touchdown via a 20-yard pass from Dick Wood. However, the Chargers took the lead in the third quarter following two touchdowns and a field goal, with a score of 16–10 as the quarter ended. In the fourth quarter, San Diego put the game away and delivered another blowout for Miami, scoring four touchdowns (28 points), while preventing the Dolphins from receiving additional points. The game ended with a score of 44–10 in favor of the Chargers. The Dolphins win–loss record fell to 0–4.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610020sdg.htm Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers – October 2nd, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com April 29, 2017 Week 6 Dolphins 3 7 0 0 Raiders 0 14 0 7 October 9 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California 28,863 64 F, wind 7 mph yes 1 MIA Gene Mingo 47 yard field goal Miami 3–0 2 OAK Art Powell 25 yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick) Oakland 7–3 2 MIA Joe Auer 3 yard rush (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 10–7 2 OAK Roger Hagberg 24 yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick) Oakland 14–10 4 OAK Fred Biletnikoff 4 yard pass from Tom Flores (Mike Eischeid kick) Oakland 21–10 yes In a second game against the Oakland Raiders on October 9, the Miami Dolphins traveled to the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum. Miami took the lead in the first quarter, with a 47-yard field goal by Gene Mingo. In the second quarter, Oakland took the lead after a touchdown, while Miami re-took the lead with a touchdown of their own. However, before the end of the second quarter, Oakland again re-took the lead with another touchdown. The first half of the game ended with a score of 14–10 in favor of the Raiders. Neither team received additional points in the third quarter. Oakland put the game away in the fourth quarter by scoring another touchdown. The match ended with a 21–10 loss for Miami.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610090rai.htm Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders – October 9th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 1, 2017 Week 7 Broncos 7 0 0 0 Dolphins 10 0 7 7 October 16 Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 22,191 77 F, wind 9 mph yes 1 MIA Billy Joe 67 yard pass from George Wilson (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 7–0 1 MIA Gene Mingo 35 yard field goal Miami 10–0 1 DEN Abner Haynes 5 yard rush (Gary Kroner kick) Miami 10–7 3 MIA Joe Auer 1 yard rush (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 17–10 4 MIA Joe Auer 3 yard rush (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 24–7 yes After being on the road since week 3, the Miami Dolphins returned home in week 7 for a contest against the Denver Broncos on October 16. Miami scored a touchdown and field goal in the first quarter, with a 67-yard pass from George Wilson to Billy Joe and a Gene Mingo field goal. The Broncos scored a touchdown later in the first quarter. Subsequently, the Dolphins scored one touchdown each in the third and fourth quarters – 1 yard and 3 yard rushes by Joe Auer, respectively. However, Denver was unable to earn additional points following the first quarter. As a result, the Miami Dolphins won the game by a score of 24–7. This was the first win by the franchise and raised their win–loss record to 1–5.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610160mia.htm Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins – October 16th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 1, 2017 Week 8 Dolphins 7 7 3 3 Oilers 0 3 10 0 October 23 Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas 21,999 70 F, wind 5 mph yes 1 MIA Bo Roberson 80 yard pass from George Wilson (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 7–0 2 HOU George Blanda 16 yard field goal Miami 7–3 2 MIA Cookie Gilchrist 13 yard pass from George Wilson (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 14–3 3 HOU George Blanda 43 yard field goal Miami 14–6 3 MIA Gene Mingo 43 yard field goal Miami 17–6 3 HOU Ode Burrell 13 yard pass from George Blanda (George Blanda kick) Miami 17–13 4 MIA Gene Mingo 42 yard field goal Miami 20–13 yes The Dolphins returned to the road again in week 8, traveling to Rice Stadium to take on the Houston Oilers on October 23. Miami scored first with a touchdown in the first quarter – an 80-yard reception from George Wilson to Bo Roberson. George Blanda of the Oilers kicked a field goal in the second quarter, but the Dolphins responded with another touchdown. In the third quarter, Blanda kicked another field goal, but Gene Mingo of the Dolphins also scored a field goal. Houston finally reached the endzone later in the third quarter to narrow the match to a 4-point game. However, Mingo kicked another field goal in the fourth quarter, ending the game with a 20–13 win for Miami. The Dolphins improved to 2–5.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196610230oti.htm Miami Dolphins at Houston Oilers – October 23rd, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 4, 2017 Week 10 Bills 0 10 10 9 Dolphins 0 0 0 0 November 6 Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 36,685 76 F, wind 16 mph yes 2 BUF Bobby Burnett 16 yard pass from Jack Kemp (Booth Lusteg) Buffalo 7–0 2 BUF Booth Lusteg 44 yard field goal Buffalo 10–0 3 BUF Booth Lusteg 44 yard field goal Buffalo 13–0 3 BUF Bobby Burnett 3 yard rush (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 20–0 4 BUF Paul Costa 4 yard pass from Jack Kemp (Booth Lusteg kick) Buffalo 27–0 4 BUF Safety, Marty Schottenheimer blocked punt Buffalo 29–0 yes After the second bye week, Miami returned home for another game against the Buffalo Bills on November 6. As during week 3, the Bills again dominated the match. After neither club scored in the first quarter, Buffalo scored a touchdown and a field goal in both the second and third quarters. In the fourth quarter, the Bills scored a third touchdown. Later, Buffalo received two points from a safety after Marty Schottenheimer blocked a punt. Miami was unable to score points throughout the game and lost 29–0, their first regular season shutout loss. The Dolphins fell to 2–6.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196611060mia.htm Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins – November 6th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 4, 2017 Week 11 Dolphins 0 10 0 6 Chiefs 17 14 3 0 November 13 Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri 33,733 45 F, wind 6 mph yes 1 KC Bert Coan 1 yard rush (Mike Mercer kick) Kansas City 7–0 1 KC Mike Mercer 22 yard field goal Kansas City 10–0 1 KC Fred Arbanas 26 yard pass from Len Dawson (Mike Mercer kick) Kansas City 17–0 2 KC Otis Taylor 89 yard pass from Len Dawson (Mike Mercer missed extra point kick) Kansas City 23–0 2 MIA Gene Mingo 28 yard field foal Kansas City 23–3 2 MIA Jimmy Warren 70 yard interception return (Gene Mingo kick) Kansas City 23–10 2 KC Chris Burford 35 yard pass from Len Lawson (two point conversion) Kansas City 31–10 3 KC Mike Mercer 19 yard field goal Kansas City 34–10 4 MIA Joe Auer 1 yard rush (two point conversion failed) Kansas City 34–16 yes In the following week, the Dolphins traveled to Municipal Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Miami was quickly overtaken. Kansas City reached a 23-point lead – three touchdowns (one missed extra point) and one field goal – before the Dolphins finally scored a field goal in the second quarter. Miami followed up with a touchdown, but Kansas City scored another touchdown before the end of the quarter. In the third quarter, the Chiefs added another field goal to their score. The Dolphins scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the team fell well short of making a comeback. The game ended with a 34–16 loss for Miami, with their record falling to 2–7.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196611130kan.htm Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs – November 13th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 5, 2017 Week 12 Dolphins 6 0 0 7 Jets 0 10 13 7 November 20 Shea Stadium, New York City, New York 57,092 36 F (27 F wind chill), wind 16 mph yes 1 MIA Gene Mingo 31 yard field goal Miami 3–0 1 MIA Gene Mingo 20 field goal Miami 6–0 2 NYJ Emerson Boozer 1 yard rush (Jim Turner kick) New York 7–6 2 NYJ Jim Turner 10 yard field goal New York 10–6 3 NYJ Emerson Boozer 96 yard kickoff return New York 17–6 3 NYJ Jim Turner 26 yard field goal New York 20–6 3 NYJ Jim Turner 18 yard field goal New York 23–6 4 NYJ Joe Auer 11 yard pass from Dick Wood (Gene Mingo kick) New York 23–13 4 MIA Mark Smolinski 1 yard rush (Jim Turner kick) New York 30–13 yes During week 12, the Dolphins traveled to Shea Stadium in New York City for their second match-up against the Jets on November 20. Miami built a six-point lead in the first quarter with two field goals by Gene Mingo. However, they would not maintain their lead. In the second quarter, the Jets scored a touchdown and a field goal, before adding another touchdown and two additional field goals in the third quarter. Miami, down 23–6 at the close of the third quarter, finally scored again with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins were unable to overcome the deficit, and New York scored another touchdown before the end of regulation. The game ended with a 30–13 loss for Miami, dropping their record to 2–8.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196611200nyj.htm Miami Dolphins at New York Jets – November 20th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 21, 2017 Week 13 Patriots 0 10 10 0 Dolphins 0 0 7 7 November 27 Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 22,480 63 F, wind 6 mph yes 2 BP Art Graham 22 yard pass from Babe Parilli (Gino Cappelletti kick) Boston 7–0 2 BP Gino Cappelletti 32 yard field goal Boston 10–0 2 BP Gino Cappelletti 49 yard field goal Boston 13–0 3 BP Jim Nance 27 yard rush (Gino Capelletti kick) Boston 20–0 3 MIA Frank Jackson 32 yard pass from Dick Wood (Gene Mingo kick) Boston 20–7 4 MIA Joe Auer 38 yard pass from Dick Wood (Gene Mingo kick) Boston 20–14 yes In their first game against the division rival Boston Patriots, the Dolphins hosted the Patriots at the Orange Bowl on November 27. After neither team scored in the first quarter, the Patriots scored twice in the first quarter, with a touchdown pass from Babe Parilli to Art Graham and then a 32-yard field goal by Gino Cappelletti. The first half of the game closed with a 13–0 lead for Boston. A rushing touchdown by Jim Nance allowed the Patriots to increase their lead to 20–0. Later in the third quarter, the Dolphins finally scored with a 32-yard pass from Dick Wood to Frank Jackson. In the fourth quarter, another Miami touchdown pass from Wood to Joe Auer for 38 yards further reduced the Patriots lead to 20–14. However, with no additional scores by either team, the game ended with a 20–14 loss for the Miami Dolphins, causing them to fall to 2–9.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196611270mia.htm Boston Patriots at Miami Dolphins - November 27th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com December 3, 2019 Week 14 Dolphins 0 7 0 0 Broncos 0 10 7 0 December 4 Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado 32,116 32 F (28 F wind chill), wind 4 mph yes 2 DEN Gary Kroner 28 yard field goal Denver 3–0 2 MIA Tom Erlandson 26 yard interception return (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 7–3 2 DEN Max Choboian 1 yard rush (Gary Kroner kick) Denver 10–7 3 DEN Charley Mitchell 79 yard pass from Max Choboian (Gary Kroner kick) Denver 17–7 yes For week 14, the Dolphins traveled to Bears Stadium in Denver for another game against the Broncos on December 4. The game was a low-scoring affair. After neither team scored in the first quarter, Denver put points on the board with a Gary Kroner field goal, before Miami countered with Tom Erlandson scoring a touchdown after returning an interception 26 yards. However, the Broncos responded with a touchdown before the end of the second quarter. Denver scored another touchdown in the third quarter. Following that, neither Miami nor Denver any additional points in the third or fourth quarter. The game ended with a 17–7 loss for Miami, dropping their record to 2–10.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196612040den.htm Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos – December 4th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 12, 2017 Week 15 Chiefs 3 3 0 13 Dolphins 0 11 0 7 December 11 Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 17,881 70 F, wind 9 mph yes 1 KC Mike Mercer 37 yard field goal Kansas City 3–0 2 KC Mike Mercer 13 yard field goal Kansas City 6–0 2 MIA Gene Mingo 35 yard field goal Kansas City 6–3 2 MIA Dick Westmoreland 39 yard interception return (two point conversion) Miami 11–6 4 KC Curtis McClinton 49 yard rush (Mike Mercer kick) Kansas City 13–11 4 MIA Dick Wood 7 yard rush (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 18–13 4 KC Chris Burford 25 yard pass from Len Dawson (two point conversion failed) Kansas City 19–18 yes Miami returned home for their second match against Kansas City on December 11. The Chiefs opened up with two Mike Mercer field goals, with one each in the first and second quarters. Later in the second quarter, the Dolphins scored a field goal and a touchdown (with a 2-point conversion) to close the first half 11–6. After no scores in the third quarter, Kansas City was the first team to put more points on the board with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Miami then scored another touchdown to take the lead in the fourth quarter. However, the Chiefs countered with a touchdown before the game ended. Miami lost by a score of 19–18.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196612110mia.htm Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins – December 11th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 12, 2017 Week 16 Oilers 7 14 0 7 Dolphins 0 8 7 14 December 18 Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida 19,274 71 F, wind 10 mph yes 1 HOU Hoyle Granger 27 yard pass from Don Trull (George Blanda kick) Houston 7–0 2 HOU Larry Elkins 11 yard pass from Don Trull (George Blanda kick) Houston 14–0 2 MIA Joe Auer 27 yard pass from John Stofa (two point conversion) Houston 14–8 2 HOU Bob McLeod 2 yard pass from Don Trull (George Blanda kick) Houston 21–8 3 MIA Frank Jackson 48 yard pass from John Stofa (Gene Mingo kick) Houston 21–15 4 HOU Don Trull 1 yard rush (George Blanda kick) Houston 28–15 4 MIA Bill Cronin 4 yard pass from John Stofa (Gene Mingo kick) Houston 28–22 4 MIA Joe Auer 14 yard pass from John Stofa (Gene Mingo kick) Miami 29–28 yes In the final game of their inaugural season, the Dolphins hosted the Oilers at the Orange Bowl on December 18. The Oilers mounted a 14–0 lead before the Dolphins scored – a 27-yard pass from Don Trull to Hoyle Granger in the first quarter and an 11-yard pass from Trull to Larry Elkins. Miami then responded with a 27-yard pass from John Stofa to Joe Auer and a successful 2-point conversion. Houston added seven more points with a 2-yard pass from Trull to Bob McLeod. By the end of the first half of the game, the Oilers led by 21–8. The third quarter saw a 48-yard touchdown pass from Stofa to Frank Jackson, cutting the Oilers' lead to 21–15. In the fourth quarter, Houston scored again with a 1-yard rush from Trull. The Dolphins scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter, via a 4-yard pass from Stofa to Bill Cronin and a 14-yard pass from Stofa to Auer. With no further scores by either team, the game ended with a 29-28 win for the Miami Dolphins. Miami ended their season with a win–loss record of 3–11.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/196612180mia.htm Houston Oilers at Miami Dolphins - December 18th, 1966 Pro-Football-Reference.com December 3, 2019 Standings Awards and honors Tom Erlandson, American Football League All-Star game selectionhttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1966.htm 1966 Miami Dolphins Statistics & Players Pro-Football-Reference.com May 21, 2017 Jimmy Warren, American Football League All-Star game selection Willie West, American Football League All-Star game selection References External links 1966 Miami Dolphins at Pro-Football-Reference.com Category:Miami Dolphins seasons Miami Miami Dolphins