The2006 season was theMiami Dolphins' 37th season in theNational Football League (NFL), their 41st overall, their second undergeneral managerRandy Mueller and second and final underhead coachNick Saban.

The Dolphins had high expectations after winning their last six games of the 2005 season, and were picked by Sports Illustrated to reachSuper Bowl XLI.^[1] Instead, the Dolphins failed to improve on their 9–7 record in2005, and they finished the 2006 season 6–10, which was just their second losing season since 1988. After the season, Dolphins coachNick Saban abandoned his contract to coach college football for theAlabama Crimson Tide, despite saying repeatedly that he would stay in Miami.

This season was also notorious for the Dolphins almost signing formerSan Diego Chargers quarterbackDrew Brees, as they were one of the two teams (the other being theNew Orleans Saints) interested in acquiring the released quarterback. However the Dolphins later declined the idea after doctors informed them that Brees’ shoulder injury was too severe, and they ended up signingDaunte Culpepper instead.

On March 14, 2006, the Dolphins traded a second-round draft pick to theMinnesota Vikings to acquire quarterbackDaunte Culpepper. Miami also acquired tackleL. J. Shelton from Cleveland and cornerbackWill Allen from theNew York Giants, replacing longtime DolphinSam Madison, who had taken Allen's old spot with the Giants. The Dolphins had also nearly signed former-Saints quarterbackDrew Brees, following his release by theSan Diego Chargers and prior to the signing of Culpepper.

In the2006 NFL draft, the Dolphins used their first pick on Tennessee safetyJason Allen. They then used their next pick on Arizona State wide receiverDerek Hagan. The rest of their picks included Washington offensive tackleJoe Toledo, Texas State/San Marcos defensive tacklesFred Evans andRodrique Wright, and Auburn wide receiverDevin Aromashodu.

On May 12, 2006, the Dolphins completed a trade with theDetroit Lions for quarterbackJoey Harrington, and the Lions received a fifth-round pick after Harrington met performance stipulations in Miami. They also signedMarcus Vick (ex-Virginia Tech quarterback and younger brother ofAtlanta Falcons starMichael Vick) to a contract after he attended their annual rookie mini-camp.

On August 12, Miami lost, 23–19, to theJacksonville Jaguars in their first preseason game of the year. The Dolphins' pulled out starting QB Daunte Culpepper after throwing only two passes. (1–2, 2 yds) All of the opposing Jaguars' touchdowns came on plays longer than 25 yards.

On August 14, the Dolphins signed free agent defensive tackleDan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson, a former 1st overall draft pick of theCincinnati Bengals (1994), and who had last played for the Detroit Lions.

On August 14, perennial All-Pro linebackerJunior Seau (who had been with the Dolphins for three seasons until he was released in March 2006) announced his retirement after 16 years in the NFL. However, he eventually joined the Dolphins' division rival, theNew England Patriots.

atHeinz Field,Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Dolphins opened the regular season in the annual Thursday NFL Kickoff Game against thePittsburgh Steelers on September 7. Even though newly acquired QBDaunte Culpepper was doing a pretty good job on the pass and RBRonnie Brown provided a touchdown, the Dolphins trailed 14–10 going into the second half, until Brown got another rushing touchdown. An 87-yard touchdown pass to Steeler tight endHeath Miller and a 42-yard interception return by ROLBJoey Porter sealed the Dolphins' fate. Head coachNick Saban attempted to challenge Miller's touchdown reception on the grounds that he stepped out of bounds before reaching the goal line (which television replays proved was correct), however, officials failed to see Saban throw the red flag before the Steelers kicked theextra point, and the Dolphins were unable to challenge the call.

Of more concern than simply the loss was the performance of the Dolphins' prized offseason acquisition. Daunte Culpepper threw two interceptions, and floated several passes that were almost intercepted. This performance has sparked debate as to whether he will be able to return to his 2004 form or if he will have a repeat of his terrible 2005 campaign.

One positive from the game was slot WRWes Welker. He had 67 yards receiving and set up the first TD for Miami.

With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 0–1.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

The Dolphins were hoping to rebound by playing an AFC East bout with the visitingBuffalo Bills in their Week 2 home-opener. From the start, the Dolphins were unable to get anything going, as the Bills'Rian Lindell kicked a 33-yard field goal in the first quarter, while Buffalo's defense prevented Miami from getting any points throughout the first half. In the third quarter, things only got worse, as opposing QBJ. P. Losman threw a 4-yard TD pass to opposing WRJosh Reed, while Lindell booted two field goals (45 & 43-yarders). The Dolphins finally managed to get some points as WRChris Chambers caught a 23-yard TD pass, but Miami failed on the two-point conversion. What made this loss even more frustrating was that Dolphins QBDaunte Culpepper got sacked seven times and fumbled twice, making Miami wonder if acquiring Culpepper was the right idea in the first place. With the loss, the Dolphins were 0–2.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

The Dolphins, still looking for their first win of the year, stayed at home for a Week 3 match-up with theTennessee Titans. Miami drew first blood in the first quarter with kickerOlindo Mare kicking a 40-yard field goal. In the second quarter, the Dolphins got a bit of a scare as Titans QBKerry Collins completed a 27-yard pass to TEBo Scaife for a touchdown and the lead. In the third quarter, Miami reclaimed the lead with QBDaunte Culpepper getting a touchdown on a 5-yard scramble. However, the Titans didn't go down quietly, as kickerRob Bironas kicked a 22-yard field goal for Tennessee, putting the game in a 10–10 tie. In the fourth quarter, Mare finally helped Miami get win their first win of the season with a 39-yard field goal.

atReliant Stadium,Houston, Texas

The Dolphins hoped to carry the momentum from their Week 3 victory, as they traveled toReliant Stadium to take on theHouston Texans. After a scoreless first quarter, Miami got on the board first with kickerOlindo Mare getting a 52-yard field goal, but the Texans got a field goal for themselves, as kickerKris Brown got one from 32 yards out. In the third quarter, the Dolphins got another field goal, as Mare got one from 29 yards out for the only score of the period. However, in the fourth quarter, things got very ugly as the Texans got two touchdowns, with QBDavid Carr on a 1-yard run and WRAndre Johnson getting a 3-yard touchdown reception. Miami valiantly tried to fight back, as Mare got a 22-yard field goal and QBDaunte Culpepper completed a 16-yard TD pass to WRChris Chambers, but in the end, a failed two-point conversion spelled doom for the Dolphins, as Miami failed to come back and fell to 1–3.

atGillette Stadium,Foxborough, Massachusetts

WithDaunte Culpepper being ineffective, QBJoey Harrington got the start for Week 5 as the Dolphins flew toGillette Stadium for an AFC East match-up with theNew England Patriots. Miami got off to a rough start, as they fell behind 3–0 with Patriots kickerStephen Gostkowski kicking a 35-yard field goal for the only score of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Miami continued to trail, as Gostkowski kicked a 31-yard field goal, while Pats QBTom Brady completed a 10-yard TD pass to WRTroy Brown. The Dolphins got back in the game before halftime, as RBRonnie Brown got a 2-yard TD run and kickerOlindo Mare got a 40-yard field goal to help the Dolphins trail by three at halftime. In the third quarter, the defense ruled as both teams failed to get a single point. In the fourth quarter, New England scored another touchdown, as Brady completed a 1-yard strike to FBHeath Evans. From there, Miami failed to catch up, and their record fell to 1–4.

atGiants Stadium,East Rutherford, New Jersey

Still searching for win #2, the Dolphins kept QBJoey Harrington in the starting line-up as they flew toThe Meadowlands for an AFC East fight with theNew York Jets. From the get-go, the Dolphins struggled as Jets kickerMike Nugent kicked a 33-yard field goal for the only score of the first quarter and of the half. In the third quarter, Nugent increased New York's lead again with another 33-yard field goal. The Dolphins finally got on the board, as kickerOlindo Mare got a 21-yard field goal. However, the Jets didn't let Miami regain itself, as QBChad Pennington completed a 58-yard TD pass to WRLaveranues Coles. In the fourth quarter, they hooked up with each other again on a 22-yard TD pass. The Dolphins attempted a fourth-quarter comeback, with Harrington completing a 2-yard TD pass to WRChris Chambers and RBRonnie Brown ran 1 yard for a TD, but when Mare missed a field goal attempt in the final minute, and the Dolphins sank to 1–5.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

QBJoey Harrington had 414 yards off a record 62 attempts (33 of them were complete), but he also threw 3 INT's (one returned for a TD). Packers RBAhman Green rushed for about 100 yards, including a 70 yd TD. Packers QBBrett Favre had 206 yards throwing and two 2 TD's and is closing onDan Marino's all-time completions and touchdown records. Meanwhile, Favre's favorite WRDonald Driver had 10 receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. With the Dolphins, RBRonnie Brown was limited to just 59 yards rushing on 15 carries and 63 yards receiving on 5 receptions. The leading receiver for Miami was WRMarty Booker, who had 7 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown. With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 1–6.

atSoldier Field,Chicago,Illinois

Coming off their bye week, the Dolphins got their second win of the season against the previously undefeatedChicago Bears atSoldier Field. Just as the 1985 Dolphins ended the Bears' attempt at a perfect season (they finished 18–1), this year's Dolphins again protected the 1972 Perfect Season on their own. QBJoey Harrington was 16/32, for 137 yards, and 3 touchdowns, despite 2 interceptions. The Dolphins fumbled twice, but recovered both times, and the Bears also fumbled twice, but both times Miami came away with the ball. The Dolphins were also able to capitalize on 3 interceptions onRex Grossman passes.Ronnie Brown rushed for a career-high 157 yards, carrying 29 times.Jason Taylor forced a fumble and returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown, helping Miami in its 31–13 victory. The spirit of the 1972 Dolphins looked alive and well as Miami improved to 2–6 on the year.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

Coming off their amazing upset road win against the Bears, the Dolphins returned home for a Week 10 match-up with theKansas City Chiefs. The Dolphins dominated the first half with kickerOlindo Mare getting a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 22-yarder in the second quarter. Also in the second period, RBRonnie Brown got a 1-yard TD run. After a scoreless third quarter, the Chiefs offense finally got going in the final period. KickerLawrence Tynes nailed a 27-yard field goal, while RBLarry Johnson got a 2-yard TD. Miami held on to its small lead and advanced to 3–6 on the year.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

Coming off a two-game winning streak, the Dolphins stayed at home for a Week 11 fight against teammateDaunte Culpepper's former team, theMinnesota Vikings. In the first quarter, the Vikings struck first as RBChester Taylor got a 1-yard TD run for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Dolphins took to the water as kickerOlindo Mare nailed a 44-yard field goal, while QBJoey Harrington got an 11-yard TD pass to TEJustin Peelle. In the third quarter, Minnesota came closer with kickerRyan Longwell nailing a 35-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Vikings took a three-point lead, as Longwell kicked a 19-yard field goal. However, the Miami defense stepped up and made decisive plays. Free safetyRenaldo Hill returned a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown, and DEJason Taylor returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. Minnesota got one more touchdown (another 1-yard TD run by Taylor), but Miami ran out the clock to preserve their third victory in a row. With the win, the Dolphins improved to 4–6. The Dolphins' rushing yardage was a franchise low (−3 yards), and a team record for the Vikings' defense.NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League

atFord Field,Detroit,Michigan

Going for their fourth-straight win, the Dolphins traveled toFord Field for a Thanksgiving fight with theDetroit Lions. This game was Dolphins' QBJoey Harrington's return to Detroit, and he was constantly booed throughout the contest. In the first quarter, Miami trailed as Lions QBJon Kitna got Detroit off to a fast start. Kitna completed a 2-yard TD pass to TEDan Campbell, while kickerJason Hanson nailed a 52-yard field goal. Afterwards, Harrington started to get the Dolphins back into business as he completed his first-ever Thanksgiving touchdown pass on an 8-yard strike to WRMarty Booker. In the second quarter, Harrington acquired the only score of the period on a 5-yard TD pass to TERandy McMichael. In the third quarter, kickerOlindo Mare nailed a 42-yard field goal, while Harrington and Booker connected with each other again on a 19-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, Mare managed to put the game away with a 28-yard field goal.

RBRonnie Brown only had 68 yards rushing (with 5 yards receiving), as he left the game early with a broken left hand. He is currently week-to-week and will likely miss the team's next game against Jacksonville.

With the Dolphins victory, not only did the Dolphins improve to 5–6, but Harrington also got his second-ever Thanksgiving Day victory and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd touchdown pass ever on Thanksgiving Day.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

After a fine performance on Thanksgiving Day against the Lions, the Dolphins returned home for a Week 13 got off to a good start when QBJoey Harrington completed a 17-yard TD pass to WRMarty Booker. The Jaguars responded with kickerJosh Scobee's 48-yard field goal. In the second quarter, things started looking grim for Miami as QBDavid Garrard completed two TD passes to WRMatt Jones (for 15 yards) and TEGeorge Wrighster (for 16 yards). After a scoreless third quarter, Jacksonville continued its dominance with RBMaurice Jones-Drew getting a 32-yard TD run. The Dolphins' only response was kickerOlindo Mare getting a 42-yard field goal. With the loss, the Dolphins fell to 5–7.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

Hoping to rebound from their loss to Jaguars, the Dolphins stayed at home for an AFC East rematch with theNew England Patriots. From start to finish, Miami stayed in the driver's seat and lead throughout the game. In the first quarter, the Dolphins' dominating day began with kickerOlindo Mare getting a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter, while also getting a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Miami continued their hot day as QBJoey Harrington completed a 32-yard TD pass to WRMarty Booker for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, RBSammy Morris got a 3-yard TD run, which was followed up by a completed 2-point conversion pass from Harrington to Booker. An impressive Dolphins defense held the Patriots to just 189 total yards of offense, while sacking Pats QBTom Brady four times. With the win, Miami improved to 6–7.

atRalph Wilson Stadium,Orchard Park, New York

Coming off their dominating win over the Patriots, the Dolphins flew toRalph Wilson Stadium for an AFC East rematch with theBuffalo Bills. After a scoreless first quarter, Miami trailed early as in the second quarter, Bills QBJ. P. Losman completed a 33-yard TD pass to TERobert Royal for the only score of the period. In the third quarter, things got worse as Losman completed a 27-yard TD pass to WRJosh Reed for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Dolphins' playoff hopes were completely erased when Losman completed a 21-yard TD pass to WRLee Evans. With the loss, not only did Miami fall to 6–8, but they were unable to make the playoffs (and thus unable to playSuper Bowl XLI on their home turf as they were the host city for that game) as the Jets (8–6) and Jacksonville (8–6) would win by tiebreakers even if they lost their remaining two games.

atDolphin Stadium,Miami Gardens, Florida

Coming off an embarrassing loss to the Bills, the Dolphins played their final home game of the year on a rainy Monday Night in an AFC East fight with theNew York Jets. After a scoreless first half with QBJoey Harrington playing a mediocre 7/15 for 42 yards, back-upCleo Lemon came in to begin the second half. In the third quarter, New York broke first with kickerMike Nugent getting a 22-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the fourth quarter, Miami finally went on the attack with Lemon completing a 7-yard TD pass to TERandy McMichael. However, the Jets responded with QBChad Pennington completing a 32-yard TD pass to WRJerricho Cotchery. Even though the Dolphins managed to tie the game with kickerOlindo Mare's 25-yard field goal. New York made sure that head coachNick Saban got his first losing season with the Dolphins after Nugent nailed the game-winning 30-yard field goal with ten seconds left. With the loss, Miami fell to 6–9.

at theRCA Dome,Indianapolis, Indiana

Trying to end their season on a high note, the Dolphins flew to theRCA Dome to take on the playoff-boundIndianapolis Colts. In the first quarter, Miami struck first with kickerOlindo Mare getting a 28-yard field goal for the only score of the period. In the second quarter, the Colts respond with QBPeyton Manning completing a 2-yard TD pass to DTDan Klecko. The Dolphins answered with Mare kicking a 38-yard field goal. However, Indianapolis struck back with Manning getting an 11-yard TD run, while kickerAdam Vinatieri getting a 46-yard field goal to end the half. In the third quarter, Miami tried to fight back with Mare's 42-yard field goal, yet the Colts matched them with Vinatieri's 34-yard field goal. The Dolphins got another field goal from Mare as he kicked one from 27 yards out. In the fourth quarter, Mare and Miami drew closer with a 34-yard field goal, yet Indianapolis ran away with the win as Manning completing a 27-yard TD pass to WRMarvin Harrison. The Dolphins got a touchdown as QBCleo Lemon completed a 6-yard TD pass to TERandy McMichael. However, the Colts' performance showed why they continue to be an elite NFL team.

With the loss, Miami ended its season at 6–10 and out of the playoffs.

• In 2006, the Dolphins shut out the New England Patriots 21–0 the previous week and were shut out by the Buffalo Bills by the same deficit the next week.
• Starting quarterback Joey Harrington won theCBSAll-Iron Award for his performance onThanksgiving and got to samplePhil Simms' mother's blackberry cobbler.
• When Daunte Culpepper was signed by the Dolphins,Las Vegas odds-makers elevated the Dolphins'Super Bowl chances from 25-to-1 to 10-to-1.
• In the Thanksgiving game against theDetroit Lions,Taylor Swift sang the national anthem.^[2]

• 2006 NFL season by team
• Miami Dolphins seasons
• 2006 in sports in Florida

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• Use mdy dates from December 2013