The 1966 season marked the Miami Dolphins' entry into the American Football League (AFL) as an expansion franchise. This inaugural year was a journey of firsts, challenges, and the gradual development of a new professional football team. From their very first kickoff return for a touchdown to their final dramatic victory, the Dolphins' 1966 schedule provided a series of learning experiences and memorable moments. A detailed look at their game-by-game
performance reveals the struggles and small triumphs of a team finding its footing in a competitive league.
Opening Games and Early Setbacks
The Dolphins' regular season began on Friday, September 2, at the Miami Orange Bowl against the Oakland Raiders. The game started with a bang as Joe Auer returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, followed by Gene Mingo's extra point, giving Miami an early 7–0 lead. However, the Raiders quickly responded, scoring a field goal and two touchdowns to take a 17-point lead. Despite a fourth-quarter touchdown from Rick Norton to Rick Casares, Miami ultimately lost 23–14.
Their second game, an intradivisional matchup against the New York Jets on September 9, also at the Orange Bowl, saw the Dolphins trail throughout. The Jets scored a safety and a touchdown in the first quarter, and added a field goal and another touchdown in the third. Miami's points came in the fourth quarter with a 43-yard reception from Norton to Dave Kocourek and a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown by Pete Jaquess. The Dolphins fell short, losing 19–14. The struggles continued in Week 3, as Miami traveled to War Memorial Stadium to face the Buffalo Bills on September 18. The Bills dominated, scoring three touchdowns in the first quarter and four more in the second, leading 48–10 at halftime. The game ended in a significant 58–24 loss for Miami, one of their worst in the rivalry's history.
Seeking the First Win and Mid-Season Progress
After a bye week, the Dolphins traveled to Balboa Stadium in San Diego for Week 5 on October 2, hoping for their first win against the Chargers. Miami started strong with a 10-point lead from a Gene Mingo field goal and a Karl Noonan touchdown via a 20-yard pass from Dick Wood. However, the Chargers took control in the third quarter and exploded for 28 points in the fourth, handing Miami a 44–10 defeat. The following week, October 9, saw the Dolphins in Oakland for a second game against the Raiders. Miami took an early lead with a 47-yard field goal by Gene Mingo, but Oakland responded with two touchdowns to Miami's one, leading 14–10 at halftime. The Raiders added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 21–10 loss for Miami.
The breakthrough finally came in Week 7. Returning home to the Orange Bowl on October 16, the Dolphins faced the Denver Broncos. Miami scored a touchdown and a field goal in the first quarter, with a 67-yard pass from George Wilson to Billy Joe and a Gene Mingo field goal. Joe Auer added two rushing touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, while Denver was held scoreless after the first quarter. This strong performance secured the Dolphins' first franchise win, 24–7, improving their record to 1–5.
Continued Challenges and Season Conclusion
Building on their first victory, the Dolphins went on the road again in Week 8, traveling to Rice Stadium to play the Houston Oilers on October 23. Miami scored first with an 80-yard reception from George Wilson to Bo Roberson. Despite two field goals by George Blanda for the Oilers, the Dolphins responded with another touchdown and two field goals by Gene Mingo, securing a 20–13 win and improving their record to 2–5. However, the momentum was short-lived.
Following their second bye week, Miami hosted the Buffalo Bills on November 6, suffering a 29–0 shutout loss, their first in the regular season. The team then faced tough road games, losing 34–16 to the Kansas City Chiefs on November 13 and 30–13 to the New York Jets on November 20. In Week 13, back at the Orange Bowl, the Dolphins lost 20–14 to the Boston Patriots, despite a late comeback attempt. A trip to Denver in Week 14 resulted in a 17–7 loss to the Broncos, bringing their record to 2–10.
The Dolphins' final home game of the season, on December 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, was a close 19–18 loss. Despite scoring a field goal and a touchdown with a two-point conversion in the second quarter, and another touchdown in the fourth, they couldn't overcome the Chiefs. The season concluded on December 18 with a dramatic home victory against the Houston Oilers. Miami won 29–28, thanks to a 25-yard field goal by Gene Mingo with 1:45 remaining, bringing their final record to 3–11. This hard-fought win provided a positive end to a challenging but foundational inaugural season for the Miami Dolphins.
