Some things are just harder for some people to let go of than others.

After New England’s win over Miami last night to seal an undefeated regular season, the always-outstanding Dolphins media relations staff sent out some quotes from members of the 1972 Miami team, which went a perfect 17-0 en route to winning Super Bowl VII.

Head coach Don Shula, quarterback Bob Griese and a few other players all sent their congratulations to the Patriots for their accomplishment, with several noting that they know New England’s quest doesn’t stop at 16-0.

But then, at the bottom, was Mercury Morris. Morris has repeatedly said that he’ll welcome the Pats to his “neighborhood” when they start to move their things in next door. But apparently, 16-0 isn’t close enough for Morris:

“My feeling about it is as consistent as it has been all year. It doesn’t matter to me whether or not they win them all because it doesn’t affect anything we’ve done,” he said. “When all the dust clears, the best they can do is stand beside us, and in the end, that’s not a bad thing. I will welcome them to the neighborhood with my Mr. Rogers sweater on, but first they have to get to the neighborhood.”

Guard Bob Kuechenberg also offered reluctant good wishes.

“They’ve done a heck of a job thus far. But now the exhibition season is over and the real season begins. Obviously, if they can win their first playoff game, beat an even more dangerous Colts team, and then Brett Favre or the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl, I will be the first to take my hat off to them. If they can pull it off, they will have earned it,” he said.

“But my heart is dead set against it. The ’72 team is uniquely immortal in American sports and I don’t want us to lose that special place. We will forever be immortal, and if they win every game in front of them, then they will join us among those ranks. They will have deserved it and I will congratulate them. But something in my heart makes me feel that we accomplished something so special that it forever sets the standard of excellence in sports.”