EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Patriots became the NFL's first team to post an undefeated season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Last night, members of the '72 Dolphins acknowledged the accomplishment.
"My sincerest congratulations go out to the Patriots," tight end Jim Mandich said in a statement. "In this salary-cap era, free-agency era, I didn't think it could be done and the Patriots did it. They are a remarkable team. If somebody was going to tie the Miami Dolphins record in the regular season of going unbeaten, it's appropriate that it would be the Patriots because they are a class act."
"I want to congratulate the Patriots on going undefeated during the regular season," added quarterback Bob Griese. "I know Tom Brady well because he played at Michigan with my son, Brian. I've followed his career ever since then and have the greatest respect for him as a player. He is having one of the greatest seasons ever by an NFL quarterback, and his outstanding performance has been a major factor in the Patriots' success this year."
Guard Bob Kuechenberg wasn't as willing to spread the praise.
"They've done a heck of a job thus far but now the exhibition season is over and the real season begins," he said.
"Obviously, if they can win their first playoff game, beat an even more dangerous Colts team, and then Brett Favre or the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl, I will be the first to take my hat off to them. If they can pull it off, they will have earned it.
"But my heart is dead set against it. The '72 team is uniquely immortal in American sports and I don't want us to lose that special place."
Second-year lineman Ryan O'Callaghan made the start at right tackle in place of Kaczur, who had started all 15 games up until last night. The Patriots also used backup tackle Wesley Britt as a tight end to help out O'Callaghan against the Giants pass rush, which entering the game led the league in sacks with 52 but had only one last night.
Brady described his status as "progressing," and he'll have an extra week to heal since the Patriots have already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs and a first-round bye.
Brady's status highlights what has been an ongoing issue on the roster: a shortage of tight ends. Starter Benjamin Watson, who returned to the lineup last night and had four catches for 38 yards, injured his left ankle against the Steelers Dec. 9 and was inactive the previous two games.
That left Stephen Spach, who was signed as a free agent Dec. 13, as the only tight end on the roster.
Material from the Associated Press was used.![]()


