By the fifth week of the 1972 NFL season, the Miami Dolphins were feeling good. They were 5-0, had the best offense and defense in the NFL, their players were over the sting of losing Super Bowl VI to the Dallas Cowboys and everything seemed to be going according to plan. Until it wasn’t.
Facing the San Diego Chargers at home, Miami quarterback Bob Griese was tackled by defensive lineman Deacon Jones, breaking his right leg and dislocating his ankle. As the cart removed Griese from the field and 38-year-old Earl Morrall jogged on, many felt the Dolphins’ chances of returning to the Super Bowl were long gone. With Griese expected to be out at least two months, how could the Fins survive? Not only did they survive, but they also became the only undefeated Super Bowl champion. (Side note: Despite the undefeated season, and having the best offense and defense in football, the Dolphins were a two-point dog to the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. Even the bookmakers believed they had no chance.)
Brian Griese, the quarterbacks coach of the 49ers, knows all about this story, having heard the tales from his father. He also knows football is a team sport, and yes, while the quarterback position is vitally important, it is still possible to win a title with a great defense and a solid kicking game. Defense can still win championships and even though the 49ers lost their starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, they can still fulfill their dreams of winning the title. All is not lost.
Now, I am not suggesting that Brock Purdy is the next Morrall. Morrall was 38 and on his sixth NFL team, but he was once a great player. The league MVP in 1968 and two-time Pro Bowler, he understood the game. He understood his strengths and weakness and never attempted to play outside his comfort zone. The Dolphins relied on their run game, threw the ball on average 16 times per game and let their defense win the game. Yes, the rules were more favorable to the defense in 1972, but in 2000 when the Ravens won their Super Bowl, they used the same Dolphins formula. It’s a formula that has stood the test of time in the NFL and has worked recently. Play great defense, don’t turn the ball over, have timely offense and control field position. Do you think the 2016 Broncos were a great offense? No chance. Peyton Manning was a shell of his former greatness and their defense carried the day.