Dolphins Pre-1970

[ethurst2]

Die Hard Dol Fans!


This might take a little bit of research.

Pick two players from the pre 1970 era that were great Dolphin Players (1 Offense -- One defense).

My picks are safety Dick Westmoreland and Offensive Tackle Norm Evans.

What are your picks?

[Dave Gray]

I don't think you'll get much response on this question.  I was born in 1977.  I don't know much about the team before 1985.  ...and really not much before 1990.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Technically you can give it to Larry Csonka and Dick Anderson because they were drafted in 1968. 

[run_to_win]

Griese and Csonka didn't really hit their stride until '71 so I'm going with Larry Little on offense.

Defense - can't think of anyone better than Anderson. 

[The_Phinatic]

Regardless of position, talent, etc., the man to remember from that era is WAHOO McDANIEL!  He led the team in tackles in 1967 and went on to have a huge pro wrestling career.  What a character!

Nicky B played in '69 and led the team in tackles, so he's one to consider.

In '66, one of my favorites, Joe Auer led the team in rushing, punt returns, kick returns (first play in Miami history was his 95 yard kickoff TD return), scoring.

Norm Evans is a no brainer for consideration.

You have to include Griese and Csonka of course.

Dick Anderson ain't nothing to sneeze at either.

GO PHINS!

[landlocked]

dick anderson on defense
what about howard twilley or mercury morris on offense

[Defense54]

My Mom bought me my first Dolphins Jacket at the age of 5 in 71 becuase I dug the colors.  I didn't get hard core until about 78 when I learned how the game was played. I don't think I can pick a player I've never seen play. To those of you that were fans back then.......you truly are the die heart fans. 

[JonBGoode]

Twilly and Foley.

[DZA]

I was not even born , Hell  I was not even in the United States 

[Dol-Phan in Dallas]

I don't have too much of a memory of the pre-1970 guys since I was born in 1964.  But I do remember that Norm Evans came and spoke at my church when I was little and I remember him being really nice to me and tossing a football with me.  Most of my Fins memories start probably around 1971.  Good to see someone mention Howard Twilley.  I hadn't heard that name in AGES!   

[doctord56]

Howard Twilley was the Wes Welker of his era...undersized, but tough as nails and beloved by the fans.

Manny Fernandez was a beast at DT on the 1968 and 1969 teams. You must include  Norm Evans, an original Dolphin who was a stabilizing force at OT from 1966 on and through the superbowl years. Larry Seiple, the punter, actually led the team in receiving one year as a Tight end, and should not be forgotten either. Nick B, Lary Little, and Bill Stanfill, who joined the team in 1969, all became  cornerstones of the great teams of the early 1970's. Csonka was considered a mild bust til he began to hit his Hall of Fame level stride in 1970. Merc hardly played on offense until 1970. Griese showed much promise but was running for his life behind lousy lines, and had rather pedestrian numbers pre 1970. Karl Noonan, a name rarely heard these days, was probably the team's best wide receiver, tho Jack Clancy had the one great year in 1967 catching the ball.

But ultimately, my votes go to Dick Anderson at safety, and Jim Kiick at halfback, as the best players pre 1970. Kiick led the team both in rushing and total yards from scrimmage in 1968 and 1969, and was the overall best offensive player IMHO.

[Dol-Phan in Dallas]

Excellent and insightful post as usual from DoctorD. 

[JonBGoode]

Howard Twilley was the Wes Welker of his era...undersized, but tough as nails and beloved by the fans.

Manny Fernandez was a beast at DT on the 1968 and 1969 teams. You must include  Norm Evans, an original Dolphin who was a stabilizing force at OT from 1966 on and through the superbowl years. Larry Seiple, the punter, actually led the team in receiving one year as a Tight end, and should not be forgotten either. Nick B, Lary Little, and Bill Stanfill, who joined the team in 1969, all became  cornerstones of the great teams of the early 1970's. Csonka was considered a mild bust til he began to hit his Hall of Fame level stride in 1970. Merc hardly played on offense until 1970. Griese showed much promise but was running for his life behind lousy lines, and had rather pedestrian numbers pre 1970. Karl Noonan, a name rarely heard these days, was probably the team's best wide receiver, tho Jack Clancy had the one great year in 1967 catching the ball.

But ultimately, my votes go to Dick Anderson at safety, and Jim Kiick at halfback, as the best players pre 1970. Kiick led the team both in rushing and total yards from scrimmage in 1968 and 1969, and was the overall best offensive player IMHO.

What a great write up, it sure brings back alot of memorys back. Early church then some backyard football. At 1 running in to turn on the tube to watch the Dolphins on the B & W.

[simeon]

Csonka and Jake Scott

[doctord56]

Csonka and Jake Scott

Jake didn't join the team until 1970 when he was drafted in the 7th round out of Georgia.
Quite a steal, and easily the best 7th round pick in team history.

Larry Csonka was a Hall of fame player and the heart of the Dolphin offense in the early 70's. However, he only rushed for 540 yards in 1968 and 566 yards in 1969, and at the time seemed only an average player. It wasn't until Shula arrived, and the offensive line got better (see Langer, Kuchenberg, Wayne Moore, Marv Fleming), that he blossomed and reached the potential he showed at Syracuse.