New England Patriots

History, Common Players, and Fun Facts for Patriots-Dolphins

Published

2 days ago

October 6, 2024

New England Patriots WR Wes Welker runs away from the Miami Dolphins defender

The New England Patriots (then known as the Boston Patriots) and Miami Dolphins have a rivalry dating back to the 1960s in the American Football League. Both teams enter Week 5 with 1-3 records in 2024. But some early-season struggles won’t dampen a rivalry that has seen 117 head-to-head games, including three in the postseason. Who will help write the next chapter in this rivalry?

A look at the common players, head-to-head matchups, statistical leaders, and more between the Patriots and 49ers.

Common Players

There have been 111 players to play for both the Patriots and Dolphins. This includes six players on the current rosters, three for each team. New England has Jacoby Brissett, Davon Godchaux, and Raekwon McMillan. Miami features Jonnu Smith, Isaiah Wynn, and Jake Bailey.

Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn and three other ex-Patriots will be playing for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Foxboro.

Also Read – Does Patriots OC Alex Van Pelt Need to Change His Philosophy?

Longest Tenures With Both Franchises

Of the 111 common players, 29 played more than one season for both franchises.

Nick Buoniconti is the only player to appear in at least 90 games for both teams.

Among the other notable players to play for both franchises are Danny Amendola, Tony Collins, Bryan Cox, Robert Edwards, Tony Franklin, Irving Fryar, Sammy Morris, Rob Ninkovich, DeVante Parker, Elandon Roberts, Junior Seau, and Wes Welker.

New England Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker

Original Dolphins Who Were Patriots

Two former Boston Patriots players were on the original Miami Dolphins 1966 team: OG Billy Neighbors and LB Jack Rudolph. DE Whit Canale was an original Dolphin who would later play for the Patriots in 1968.

Head-to-Head Meetings

There have been 117 games between the two teams over the years, with Miami holding a 62-55 overall advantage. However, New England does hold a 2-1 advantage in the postseason.

The first game meeting was on Nov. 27, 1966, at the Orange Bowl in Miami. Head coach Mike Holovak led the Boston Patriots to a 20-14 win over George Wilson’s expansion squad. RB Jim Nance rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown for the Patriots. WR/PK Gino Cappelletti had three receptions for 76 yards and kicked two field goals. LB Nick Buoniconti snagged an interception for Boston.

The most memorable meeting for New England Patriots fans was the 1985 AFC Championship Game. New England entered the game as massive underdogs and pulled off their third straight road win in the playoffs to advance to Super Bowl XX. It was the first Super Bowl appearance in Patriots franchise history.

Miami won their most recent meeting in Week 8 of the 2023 season. The final score: Dolphins 31, Patriots 17. Most notable for New England was Kendrick Bourne’s ACL injury in the game, which sidelined him ever since. Mac Jones threw touchdown passes to Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster in the game. But the Dolphins offense was led by Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle each had over 100 yards receiving and a score.

New England Patriots rivals, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, right, greets wide receiver Tyreek Hill after catching a 5-yard pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)

Trade History

The most significant trade between the two teams involved a restricted free agent coming to New England.

In 2007 the New England Patriots traded second and seventh-round picks in the 2007 NFL Draft to sign restricted free agent WR Wes Welker. The trade worked out for the Patriots. Welker went on to have a brilliant run in New England. Welker played six seasons in New England (2007-2012). He helped them win two AFC Championships, made four Pro Bowl teams, and was twice voted first-team All-Pro.

In Wes Welker’s time in New England, he led the entire NFL in receptions (672; 80 more than anyone else) and fourth in receiving yards (7,459). He also scored 38 touchdowns.

Miami used the picks on OL Samson Satele and DE Abraham Wright.

Wes Welker is currently the wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins.