Miami Dolphins Join a Less-Than-Prestigious Group with Three Unfortunate Teams
The Miami Dolphins faced a tough reality check after Dan Marino’s retirement, finding that winning a playoff game had become a far more challenging feat. While Marino never secured a Super Bowl victory, he was a consistent playoff contender, leading the Dolphins to the postseason in 10 out of his 17 seasons.
Since Marino’s departure, the Dolphins have only managed one playoff victory, an overtime win against the Peyton Manning-led Indianapolis Colts in 2000. Since that win, they have made five playoff appearances, each ending in a first-round loss. Notably, two of these playoff berths occurred in consecutive seasons under head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins are part of a select group of NFL teams that have not won a playoff game in the last 15 years. Only three teams fit this description: the Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, and Washington Commanders.
The Commanders last tasted playoff victory in 2005 with a 17-10 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Raiders’ most recent playoff success was in 2002 when they advanced to the Super Bowl after defeating the New York Jets and Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins, however, hold the longest playoff win drought, having waited 24 years for a postseason victory.
In contrast, other NFL teams have experienced more playoff success. The Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys have each won a Wild Card game. The remaining 25 teams have won at least a Divisional Round game, a conference championship, or a Super Bowl. Notably, the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs have each won multiple Super Bowls in the past 15 years.
