1972 NFL Season Recap

Originally published on Aug. 14, 2020

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, January 14th, 1973, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins (now Washington Football Team) 14-7 in Super Bowl VII to win the 53rd championship in NFL history. It was the first championship for the Dolphins franchise as Dolphins defensive back Jake Scott won the Super Bowl MVP Award. The game was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.

Washington Redskins running back Larry Brown won the 1972 MVP Award with 8 rushing touchdowns and 1216 rushing yards, while Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Joe Greene won the 1972 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Out of Playoffs: Detroit Lions (8-5-1), Kansas City Chiefs (8-6), New York Giants (8-6), Cincinnati Bengals (8-6), New York Jets (7-7), Atlanta Falcons (7-7), Minnesota Vikings (7-7), Los Angeles Rams (6-7-1), Baltimore Colts (5-9), Denver Broncos (5-9), St. Louis Cardinals (4-9-1), Buffalo Bills (4-9-1), San Diego Chargers (4-9-1), Chicago Bears (4-9-1), New England Patriots (3-11), New Orleans Saints (2-11-1), Philadelphia Eagles (2-11-1), Houston Oilers (1-13)

Out in first round: Green Bay Packers (L 16-3 to Redskins), Oakland Raiders (L 13-7 to Steelers), Cleveland Browns (L 20-14 to Dolphins), San Francisco 49ers (L 30-28 to Cowboys)

Out in second round: Dallas Cowboys (L 26-3 to Redskins), Pittsburgh Steelers (L 21-17 to Dolphins)

Most passing touchdowns: #12 Joe Namath (Jets)- 19 TD & 2816 yds

Most rushing touchdowns: #22 Mercury Morris (Dolphins)- 12 TD

Most receiving touchdowns: #18 Gene Washington (49ers)- 12 TD

Most interceptions: #28 Bill Bradley (Eagles)- 9 INT

Best field goal percentage (min. 11 attempts): #12 Don Cockroft (Browns)- 22 for 27, 81.5%

Scoring Summary

 

Link to stats database: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1972/