The Miami Dolphins hand the New England Patriots a 52-0 defeat at the Orange Bowl. It is the worst loss in franchise history for the Patriots. Miami dominated the game from the start as Dick Anderson picked off Jim Plunkett, setting up a four-yard touchdown run by Mercury Morris. The Dolphins had a 31-0 lead at the half as they moved the ball at will against the Patriots. In the fourth quarter, Jim Del Gazio, a rookie from Boston, took over for Earl Morrall at quarterback and had the first two touchdown passes of his career. A day following the blowout, Patriots coach John Mazur was fired.