How it unfolded
Miami arrived 16–0 yet were slight betting underdogs — a rare line for an undefeated team. After Bob Griese injured his leg in week five, 38-year-old Earl Morrall started most games until Griese returned for the AFC Championship. Miami's plan worked: Howard Twilley caught a 28-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter; Jim Kiick scored from one yard in the second for 14–0. The No-Name Defense shut down Washington; safety Jake Scott's two interceptions earned MVP. Washington's only points came with 2:07 left when Garo Yepremian's blocked field goal attempt became a fumbled pass that Mike Bass returned 49 yards for a touchdown. Final: 14–7.
Why it still matters
17–0 remains the NFL's only perfect season, and its rarity grew when New England went 16–0 in 2007 then lost the Super Bowl. Miami's model — ground game and organised defence without a star quarterback — became a blueprint for later champions. Yepremian's blunder is replayed as the Super Bowl's first great comedy clip.