The year was 2000 and the Miami Dolphins were at the beginning of what would become a severe downward spiral the likes of which the organization had never seen. And are still mired in 18 years later.
On December 30th, the Dolphins hosted the Peyton Manning led Indianapolis Colts and came away with a 23-17 overtime win. They would lose the following week to the Oakland Raiders in the division round. At 11-5 the Dolphins, back then, were the Dolphins that so many older fans talk about.
A stout defense and a strong running game, Miami was coming off three consecutive playoff appearances and five in the last six years at the time.