Perfect Dolphins of 1972 salute Patriots

By Larry Fine

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Reuters) - Members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who crafted the NFL's first perfect season by going 14-0 and sweeping three playoff games for the Super Bowl crown, saluted the unbeaten Patriots on Saturday.

New England completed a 16-0 regular season with a hard-fought 38-35 victory over the New York Giants (10-6).

"Going undefeated during the regular season is a remarkable achievement," Don Shula, coach of the 1972 champions, said in a bundle of congratulatory statements sent up by the Dolphins.

"I know first hand how difficult it is to win every game and just as we did in 1972, the Patriots have done a great job concentrating on each week's opponent and not letting any other distractions interrupt that focus."

Over the years, members of the '72 Dolphins cracked open champagne when the last unbeaten team each season absorbed their first loss, leaving their spot in NFL history unmatched.

On Saturday, some Miami veterans celebrated the Pats.

"I want to congratulate the Patriots on going undefeated during the regular season," said former Dolphins 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."

THREE WINS

Defensive tackle Manny Fernandez said he welcomed the Patriots achieving their level of perfection.

"If they finish without a loss," he said about their upcoming playoffs campaign, "it's almost going to be a relief to me. That way, the media will start to call them the first eight or nine games each year whenever a team starts undefeated instead of calling us. That will give us a break."

Former Miami running back Jim Kiick said the Pats' quest was far from over.

"I'm sure going 16-0 isn't important to them. They want to go 19-0," Kiick said, referring to the three more wins needed to take home the Super Bowl title.

"If they finish 18-1 by losing the Super Bowl, there's no doubt they would look at it as a disappointing season."

Guard Bob Kuechenberg said he would continue to root against the Patriots.