Over the last few seasons the Miami Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross have made it clear that they want to build a perennial winning football team. The team has spent countless amounts of money, showed aggressiveness in the draft and have brought in coaches with winning pedigrees. One of those coaches is head coach Joe Philbin. So far, the hiring of Philbin has not worked out in Miami’s favor. For the second straight year Miami has collapsed down the stretch, leaving a dark cloud over the head of Philbin. With another disappointing season, one would think the third year coach is in jeopardy of losing his job.
After a questionable start to the season the Dolphins seemed to have figured things out. A big win in London against the Oakland Raiders sparked a hot streak for Miami. Third year quarterback Ryan Tannehill was playing at a high level and the defense was considered elite.
Everything was going well for Miami. With blowout victories over the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers, hope was restored in a franchise that has battled through years of mediocrity. A playoff berth went from a hope, to a mere reality for Miami.
If you go back to last season. The Dolphins had two games remaining against the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. A win in either of these games put Miami in the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. They did not win either of those two games.
This season they were in a similar situation. It was the halfway point and the Dolphins had won four of five. Then, it was deja vu for Miami all over again. Just like last season the Dolphins have failed to take advantage of a potential playoff berth.
Since November 9th the Dolphins are 2-4 and after two close losses to the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos, Miami has been dominated two straight games, one of them at home against the Baltimore Ravens. Thing’s hit the ceiling this past weekend, though. In a must win game against the Patriots, the Dolphins traveled to Foxbourough as heavy underdogs. Despite not being favored, there are no excuses for the game Miami played.
Once the first half was over, the real Miami Dolphins left the field. The team that came out in the second half was not the same team Miami is accustomed to seeing. Coach Philbin did not make the necessary adjustments and as a result, the Dolphins were outscored 27-0 in the second half.
So why bring up the question of whether or not Philbin is on the hotseat? It’s simple. Over the last two season he has not gotten the job done when it counts. Too many times Miami has lost close games. It happened last season against the Buffalo Bills and Carolina Panthers and it happened this season against the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos.
Including this year, Joe Philbin has a record of 7-8 in the months of November and December. Down the stretch the Dolphins struggle under Philbin. The problem is when they play the team’s they’re supposed to beat, they win. When they play the teams that pose a challenge, they tend to lose. As a head coach it is your responsibility to ensure your team is prepared mentally and physically for these games. Coach Philbin has not done that.
With a current record of 22-24 as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, there shouldn’t be any question that coach Philbin is on the hot seat. There are two more games for him to convince ownership that he is worthy of another season. Still, with Miami essentially eliminated from postseason contention, Philbin may have already done enough for the team to move in a different direction.