1983 Miami Dolphins season
| 1983 Miami Dolphins season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Don Shula |
| Owner | Joe Robbie |
| Home field | Orange Bowl |
| Results | |
| Record | 12–4 |
| Division place | 1st AFC East |
| Playoff finish | Lost AFC Divisional Playoff (Seahawks) 20-27 |
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| Scoring summary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 | MIA | von Schamann 33 yard field goal | MIA 3–0 | |
| Q2 | MIA | von Schamann 23 yard field goal | MIA 6–0 | |
| Q3 | MIA | von Schamann 36 yard field goal | MIA 9–0 | |
| Q4 | MIA | von Schamann 50 yard field goal | MIA 12–0 | |
The 1983 season was the 18th season in football for the Miami Dolphins and they sought to return to the Super Bowl after losing to the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl XVII. It was also a turning point in the team's history, as in the 1983 NFL Draft a young quarterback slipped to deep in the opening round, being passed over by such teams as division rivals New York who drafted Ken O'Brien and New England who drafted Tony Eason. With the 27th pick, the Dolphins decided to take a chance on Dan Marino. In the draft's eighth round the Dolphins also selected receiver Mark Clayton.
David Woodley started the team's first five games but despite wins over Buffalo, New England, and Kansas City the offense didn't move to Don Shula's liking so in Week Six hosting the Bills the rookie Marino started. Marino had completed two touchdown throws in relief of Woodley in a 27–14 loss to the Raiders and then replaced Woodley during a 17–7 loss to the Saints with a touchdown and an interception, so the game against Buffalo was the third of his career but his first start. The game proved to be a wild affair as Robb Riddick of the Bills fumbled the opening kickoff at their 17 but Marino was intercepted by Steve Freeman on the next play. The Bills clawed to a 14–7 halftime lead but the Dolphins behind Marino stayed toe to toe as Marino threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns while handing off to Mark Clayton on an option pass for a touchdown to Mark Duper. The Bills tied the game in the final seconds and two Uwe von Schamann field goal attempts missed before Joe Danelo ended the game in a 38–35 Bills win.
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