The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a cross-country trip to Hard Rock Stadium for a crucial Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. This encounter rekindles a storied rivalry that has seen NFL legends like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, and Dan Marino take the field.
Super Bowl XIX Dan Marino Joe Montana
By Tony Fisher
Historically, the Dolphins hold an 8-6 edge in regular-season meetings, a series that began on September 16, 1973, when Miami claimed a 21-13 victory. The rivalry’s most iconic moment, however, came in Super Bowl XIX. Joe Montana’s 49ers delivered a dominant 38-16 win over Marino’s Dolphins, cementing their place in NFL history.
The most recent meeting, on December 4, 2022, marked a pivotal moment for San Francisco. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy made his official debut, stepping in for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo. Purdy shone brightly, completing 25 of 37 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, leading the 49ers to a convincing 33-17 victory. That performance not only secured the win but also solidified Purdy’s role as San Francisco’s leader under center.
Recent trends show Miami with a slight upper hand, winning four of the last six matchups, including a 2-1 record since 2016. Across all-time meetings, San Francisco averages 2.6 touchdowns, 20.1 first downs, and 329.9 total yards per game, while allowing an average of 304.9 yards to Miami.
This season, the 49ers enter the game facing significant injury challenges. Defensive lineman Maliek Collins (illness), running back Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring), and tackle Trent Williams (ankle) were unable to practice, while key defenders Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee) were limited. Despite the setbacks, the team will rely on its depth and star players like Christian McCaffrey and Fred Warner to make an impact.
For the 49ers, this game is about more than history. It’s a chance to overcome adversity, secure a critical victory, and keep their season alive while solidifying their position in the playoff race. With injuries testing the team’s depth and resilience, a strong performance against the Dolphins could serve as both a turning point for this season and a statement for their future ambitions.
