Super Bowl VII

The game

The score indicates a much closer game than it actually was as Miami's "No-Name Defense" dominated the game, and only allowed Washington to cross midfield only once. But Super Bowl VII is most memorable for the final two minutes of the game, as a Dolphins miscue almost threatened to stop Miami's quest for a perfect season.

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The Dolphins scored first on its third possession of the game on wide receiver Howard Twilley's 28-yard touchdown reception from Griese that capped a 63-yard, 6-play drive. On their next drive, a 47-yard touchdown pass from Griese to receiver Paul Warfield was called back because of a penalty. But with less than two minutes left in the half, Miami linebacker Nick Buoniconti intercepted a pass from Kilmer, setting up Kiick's 1-yard touchdown run before halftime, making the score 14-0.

Related Topics:
Paul Warfield - Nick Buoniconti

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The Redskins took the second half kickoff and advanced across midfield for the first time in the game, driving from their own 30-yard line to Miami's 17-yard line. But defensive lineman Manny Fernandez sacked Kilmer on third down, and Washington's drive ended with no points after kicker Curt Knight missed the ensuing field goal attempt. Later in the period, the Dolphins reached Washington's 5-yard line, featuring a 49-yard run by Czonka, the second longest run in Super Bowl history. However, Redskins defensive back Brig Owens intercepted a pass from Griese in the end zone.

Related Topics:
Manny Fernandez - Curt Knight - Brig Owens

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Early in the 4th quarter, Washington threatend to score by driving to Miami's 10-yard line, but Dolphins defensive back Jake Scott intercepted a pass from Kilmer. The score remained 14-0 until the final two minutes of the game. Miami kicker Garo Yepremian attempted a 42-yard field goal, but the kick was blocked. Instead of falling on the ball, Yepremian picked it up and made a feeble attempt to throw a pass. Unfortunately, he ended up batting the ball into the air and into the hands of Redskins cornerback Mike Bass, who then ran it in for a touchdown to cut the lead in half.

Related Topics:
Jake Scott - Garo Yepremian - Mike Bass

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Less than a minute remained when the Redskins forced the Dolphins to punt. But Miami's defense forced two incompletions, a 4-yard loss on a swing pass, and linebacker Bill Stanfill's 9-yard sack on fourth down as time expired.

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Griese finished the game with 8 out of 11 pass completions for 88 yards and a touchdown, with 1 interception. Czonka was the leading rusher of the game, with 15 carries for 112 yards. Kiick had 38 rushing yards, 2 receptions for 6 yards, and a touchdown. Morris had 34 rushing yards. Kilmer completed 6 more passes then Griese, but finished the game with just 16 more total passing yards and was intercepted 3 times. Washington's Larry Brown rushed for 72 yards and 5 receptions for 26 yards. Redskins reciever Roy Jefferson was the top receiver of the game, with 5 receptions for 50 yards.

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Scoring summary

• MIA- Twilley 28 pass from Griese (Yepremian kick)
• MIA- Kiick 1 run (Yepremian kick)
• WAS- Bass 49 fumble return