Shocking statistic for Dolphins' last 36 games revealed | Schad

MIAMI GARDENS — More than 3,000 people retweeted or commented on a Twitter post (H/T @schadjoe) this week about the Dolphins' record in their last 36 games.

"AFC teams with more wins than the Miami Dolphins over last 36 games played:

Chiefs

Bills

Titans

That's the list."

That's right. Taking into consideration two victories at the end of the 2019 season, the 2020 and 2021 seasons and a win to open this season, Miami is 22-14.

Some correctly pointed out that the window of 36 games was cherry-picked. Guilty as charged. Of course it was.

But that doesn't make the fact any less interesting.

In those games (mostly coaches by Brian Flores, with mostly Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback), the Dolphins have outscored opponents 830-777.

Miami has won the average contest 23.1-21.6.

What does it mean? Well, it means, in my opinion, that the Dolphins organization is on the right track.

And yes, we don't know if Tua can ever reach the level of Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. And we don't know if Miami has a realistic chance to win the AFC if he doesn't.

But the number of people across the nation who were stunned by this fact - yes, it is a fact - shows you that perception of the Dolphins' franchise doesn't really align with reality about the Dolphins' franchise.

They are not a mess. They are not a disaster. In fact only three teams in the conference have more victories over their last 36 games. Fact.

A reason for hope. And after all, that's what we all want, right?

Some noted that Flores deserves some credit. And yes, he does. He was a sound technical football coach who instilled discipline and structure.

But was Miami's offense ever going to get to the level that it needs to be for the club to compete for a conference title?

Nope. There was no sign it was headed in that direction. And there was no chance Tua would have a chance with the friction and lack of trust between those two.

Some have said this proves Tua is the answer. Come on. We don't know that. Mark Sanchez and Jared Goff and Trent Dilfer and Jimmy G are examples of quarterbacks who quarterbacked teams with very strong rosters to very far places, but were eventually replaced.

It's been one game. Let's give Tua a chance to see if and how he improves. And, yes, let's see if Tua starts to make better decisions and has better results on more challenging throws.

Let's see.

In the meantime, let's acknowledge that it's a joke that a tiny percentage of the country will see Dolphins at Ravens on Sunday on CBS.

The Dolphins have surpassed the Patriots. Ding-dong that witch is dead. And yet most of the nation will experience Patriots at Steelers.

Perception. The only way Miami can change it is by continuing to win. Earn that respect on the field.

Many Bills fans correctly pointed out on Twitter that Miami's 36-game success streak has resulted in no playoff appearances or wins.

That, too, is a fact, Jack.

But that makes the statistic no less relevant. Miami is more relevant in 2022 than they've been in many years.

There's a reason the Dolphins are constantly broken down on ESPN and NFL Network. They are interesting. They have an interesting coach and an interesting quarterback and a hell of a defense.

And, it turns out, over the last 36 games, they've won more games than most American football fans realize.

Now it's time to do even more.

Folks, I'm almost two weeks into my second detached retina eye surgery in four months. Things are going pretty well, though I can't yet drive and can't be out at Dolphins camp at this time.

But I will ramp up my writing as health allows. Thanks for subscribing here. Tell a friend. And let me know on Twitter or via e-mail that you're reading these.

Please check out some of the stories done by our staff in the past week below. See you (hopefully, better) soon.

-Joe.

Joe Schad is a journalist at the Palm Beach Post part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Shocking statistic for Dolphins' last 36 games revealed