For the sixth consecutive season the Miami Dolphins will miss out on postseason play. The Dolphins are a franchise that has seeked consistency for nearly a decade and a half. This is not what they had in mind. Last week owner Stephen Ross announced that head coach Joe Philbin will return for a fourth season. But after a dreadful performance this weekend at home against the New York Jets, it is fair to question whether or not the decision made by Ross was the correct choice.
It’s easy to side with Philbin. The offensive line is a work-in-progress, the defense collapsed down the stretch under Kevin Coyle and they have three losses of four points or less (all to playoff teams). And then there is the argument – in my opinion the correct one – that states Philbin is responsible. After all, he was the one appointed by ownership to prevent these things from happening.
Yesterday’s game against the New York Jets was a mixture of these three things – starting with the offensive line. In what was a disastrous performance, quarterback Ryan Tannehill was put on his back a higher number of times than his average yards per passing attempt. On seven different occasions the Jets front seven was able to drag, hit and slam Tannehill to the ground. Reminiscent of last season, the third year quarterback was often scrambling in the pocket, trying to avoid the onslaught from the Jets defensive line.
Then the defense of recent showed up. For the third time in as many weeks, Miami has allowed at least 37 points to their opponent. What was once talked of as a top five unit, the defense totally fell apart when it mattered most. Although pride was the only thing on the line this week, this is simply inexcusable. Jets quarterback Geno Smith – who is the epitome of a below average quarterback – had a career day against the secondary, carving them up for 358 yards and three touchdowns; with over 200 of those yards going to receiver Eric Decker.
Even with a horrid offensive line and defensive performance to forget, Miami was surprisingly within reach of the game. They lead as the two teams entered the locker room at halftime. The Dolphins took the lead and gave it right to the Jets. In the second half, the Dolphins were outscored 23-7. The dagger didn’t come until the final minutes of the fourth, though. New York ran a fake punt pass, converting for 38 yard pass. The next play saw Smith connect with tight end Jeff Cumberland for a 23 yard touchdown pass.
It’s sort of like Murphy’s Law for Miami. Anything that can go wrong, will. On Sunday, their three biggest issues were relevant in a game that Miami was completely unprepared for. While it is unfair to point all the fingers at head coach Joe Philbin, there is no denying his role in Miami’s collapse is quite substantial.
Regardless, Philbin will be back for a fourth season. It is astonishing, really. In his three seasons as coach, he has not made an impact on the playoff standings or divisional race. His under .500 record, mixed with his questionable decision making has resulted in many fans calling for the axing of Philbin. Quite honestly, Philbin has not proved to me that he will be able to make Miami a playoff caliber team next season. Pardon me if you disagree, but I think Stephen Ross may have made the wrong decision.
Only time will tell.