2014 Miami Dolphins: Raw Doggin' It

[Clears Cleaver]

that game said one thing, the oline and dline are not good enough to beat a good team. that was horrific. tannehill is going to get killed this week

if they can win this game it will be a huge statement for the franchise. I am resting my hope on the belief they were looking pst the jets

 

[sodenj5]

My latest preview of the Dolphins-Ravens matchup is up at Football Central.
 

 
Chasing the postseason in the AFC’s crowded 7-5 corridor, the Miami Dolphins presently hold the slimmest of tiebreaker margins and would be the 6th and final team to qualify for the NFL playoffs if the season ended today. With four games remaining and six teams vying for one spot, every game will be treated as a must-win by these teams.
The Dolphins are coming off an ugly 16-13 victory against the Jets where they made just enough plays to grit out a division road win. Baltimore is coming off a bitter 34-33 defeat at home against the Chargers, who outscored the Ravens 21-10 in the fourth quarter.

 
 
http://soshcentral.com/nfl/2014/12/05/dolphins-ravens-preview/

 

[pdaj]

Another great break-down, man.
 
Add me to the long list of fans disappointed that Finnegan won't be playing tomorrow. (He's listed as doubtful.) Missing 4 games for an ankle sprain? Damn. Torrey Smith faired pretty well vs. Grimes last year; I could see him matching up with the quicker Smith, which means Smith's getting Sanford and a lot of safety help. 
 
I think the Jets did the Fins a favor in further exposing their regressed run defense on MNF. I expect this area's received a lot of attention since, and I predict < 85 yards for Forsett. But can the Miami defense get Flacco off the field on 3rd down? Prevent the big play? That'll depend largely on the pass rush. Joe must. go. down. The Smith brothers and Marlon Brown will test this secondary if Flacco has the time. I'm also interested in the Forsett/Daniels matchup vs Miami's LB.
 
IMO, it's a must-win for both teams.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

Yeah this isn't loser goes home but in terms of the AFCWC it will be a lot harder to get in losing this one.

 

[dwainw]

Another great break-down, man.
 
Add me to the long list of fans disappointed that Finnegan won't be playing tomorrow. (He's listed as doubtful.) Missing 4 games for an ankle sprain? Damn. Torrey Smith faired pretty well vs. Grimes last year; I could see him matching up with the quicker Smith, which means Smith's getting Sanford and a lot of safety help. 
 
I think the Jets did the Fins a favor in further exposing their regressed run defense on MNF. I expect this area's received a lot of attention since, and I predict < 85 yards for Forsett. But can the Miami defense get Flacco off the field on 3rd down? Prevent the big play? That'll depend largely on the pass rush. Joe must. go. down. The Smith brothers and Marlon Brown will test this secondary if Flacco has the time. I'm also interested in the Forsett/Daniels matchup vs Miami's LB.
 
IMO, it's a must-win for both teams.

I thought about this, as well.   Coyle hasn't proven himself nearly as adept at making adjustments as Lazor this year, either within games or from week-to-week, but you've gotta figure (or hope) after getting abused by the running game in successive weeks, he spent some serious time back at the drawing board.  Hopefully, they can use the Ravens efforts to exploit the Miami run D against them.  Also, that notoriously lackluster home crowd needs to come alive and give the team a lift--and the Phins need to give them a reason to early on.

Hard not to see this as a must-win, no matter how you slice it.  And dammit, I want to watch meaningful Dolphins football over the holidays.  My naughty/nice meter indicates that I deserve it.  Barely.

 

[pdaj]

Bad news: Finnegan out for the 4th straight game.
 
Good news: Charles Clay active.
 
Also: Torrey Smith reportedly looking "gimpy" in warm-ups. Limping, mostly watching from sidelines. Obviously if he's not 100%, that's huge.

 

[Curll]

Lamar killing it in the first quarter.
 
In fact, entire team is doing well. Looking great so far.

 

[sodenj5]

Coyle never adjusted to stop the pass when Baltimore started racking up yards and how does Lazor not start calling plays with Sims to help Thomas block.

Thomas got his ass handed to him all game, but Lazor just left him on an island.

 

[sodenj5]

God damn it. The loss of Albert may never have been felt more than this game.

Have to consider the game in NE is a loss. With Baltimore holding the tiebreaker, Miami is going to need a lot of help to make it in with 9 wins, if that's how it shakes out.

 

[sodenj5]

Just saw Kelly tweet what I thought I saw. It looked like Odrick got into it with Philbin on the sideline after the Ravens converted a third down in the third quarter. This team might unglue in spectacular fashion again.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Amazing to me that MIA couldn't take advantage of the Ravens secondary, or lack thereof. I know pressure had something to do with it, but it still seemed like MIA let the Ravens off the hook.

 

[dwainw]

Just saw Kelly tweet what I thought I saw. It looked like Odrick got into it with Philbin on the sideline after the Ravens converted a third down in the third quarter. This team might unglue in spectacular fashion again.

It seems like this team has been close to the brink of imploding for much of the season.  Going back to the Philbin v. Tanny "who's the starting QB" affair before the Oakland game, Wallace's ongoing frustration about the complete lack of a deep game, and then on a couple of occasions, defensive players questioning coaching decisions.   It's been brewing.  And now that Philbin and co. are likely lame ducks..........

Anyway, this is not a playoff caliber team even if they miraculously back in by beating NE, etc.  Hell, I think their chances of beating NE actually went up slightly now that the Patriots can coast the rest of the season--but they don't belong in the playoffs.  
 

Amazing to me that MIA couldn't take advantage of the Ravens secondary, or lack thereof. I know pressure had something to do with it, but it still seemed like MIA let the Ravens off the hook.

No doubt.  It leaves you shaking your head.   Furthermore, I've never seen a team bail so thoroughly on attempting the deep ball.   Crazy.   

 

[sodenj5]

No doubt.  It leaves you shaking your head.   Furthermore, I've never seen a team bail so thoroughly on attempting the deep ball.   Crazy.   

I cant understand why they completely abandoned the run in the second half too. Miller was running well, they had a lead.

it is what it is with the deep ball. They typically take one or two shots per game. Tannehill can't hit the deep ball. Why force it, especially when he had no time to let the deep ball develop.

 

[rymflaherty]

Today it really felt like the injuries caught up with them.
It's tough to win when you are starting a CB you signed off the street a couple weeks ago, and have, in my opinion, a backup Guard (at best) as your starting RT. Especially for a good, not great team, that doesn't have a lot of margin for error.
 
While not an excuse, I do think that is a big part of the reality of things...The amount of self-inflicted penalties today surely didn't help either.
Disappointing day across the board, especially for the Defense who came up small again in quite a few spots. Such a frustrating group - rarely have I seen a group alternate from being dominate to helpless so frequently.  And while injuries are a factor (as I mentioned) it seemed to be an issue even before those started to ass up.

 

[dwainw]

it is what it is with the deep ball. They typically take one or two shots per game. Tannehill can't hit the deep ball. Why force it, especially when he had no time to let the deep ball develop.

1) To continue to try to keep their defense honest, even if just by showing them they're still willing to try and 2) as mentioned, Baltimore's secondary was as vulnerable as any they've faced in recent weeks.   I mean, shit, if ever there was a week for Wallace to finally reel one in down the field......     I suppose your second point pretty much negates my little pipe dream, though. 
 
I shouldn't be surprised by today's outcome, but it's still a bitter, bitter pill.  

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Today it really felt like the injuries caught up with them.
It's tough to win when you are starting a CB you signed off the street a couple weeks ago, and have, in my opinion, a backup Guard (at best) as your starting RT. Especially for a good, not great team, that doesn't have a lot of margin for error.

Funny, because the Ravens were starting a CB that was a safety until two weeks ago and when he went down, they had to turn to a guy they signed off the street four weeks ago. And he goes down too.

But yes, the Ravens OL is much better than Miami's. Good matchup for the Ravens. If either (or both) of the teams get into the playoffs, I can't see either going far.

 

[Mugsy's Walk-Off Bunt]

I don't see the patriots coasting, if only because we need to keep winning to ensure a BYE/HFA.

 

[RIrooter09]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-notes-1208-20141207-story.html
 
Delmas done for the year.

 

[sodenj5]

I wouldn't be shocked to see the Dolphins lose the next three to complete the collapse. They'll need a miracle to pull out a win in NE. They could hypothetically win the last two and get a ton of help to get in to the playoffs, but I see the team folding up shop if they lose to the Pats.

 

[dynomite]

As a Pats fan I have to say I'm surprised by the Dolphins loss yesterday. Really thought they would find a way to win.

As for the Pats coasting, I would point out that this weekend is now what Belichick/Bruschi refer to as a "hat & t-shirt game" -- they would clinch the East with a win. Have to imagine they will come out fired up for that, although obviously that doesn't guarantee a win.

Finally, I'm wondering about the playoff scenarios -- I played around on the ESPN Playoff machine, and if the Dolphins lose to the Pats next week I couldn't figure out how to get them to make the playoffs at 9-7. The Chiefs and Texans kept getting in ahead of them. What am I missing?

Edit: nevermind, I figured it out.

1) Chargers and Chiefs finish 1-2, or:

2) The Ravens just need to finish 1-2 (vs. Jax, @ Hou, vs. Cle) and the Bengals need to lose out (@ Cle, vs. Den, @ Pit)

 

[soxfan121]

The Bengals tie is a big tiebreaker advantage and the AFC North's remaining games with The Crappiest Division of All Time make the whole thing really unpredictable. 

 

[DJnVa]

The Bengals tie is a big tiebreaker advantage and the AFC North's remaining games with The Crappiest Division of All Time make the whole thing really unpredictable. 

 

Is it really an advantage, or does it simply make it easy to figure them out?
 
Because that tie was against a 4-8-1 team they should have beaten, and if the Steelers finish 10-6 and Cincy 9-6-1 and Ravens beat, say Houston and Jax, then that non-win against a crappy Carolina team isn't really an advantage.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Miami is done but it will be laughably bad this afternoon. no misi, jenkins or mccain. LOLOL. They also have only tow backup offensive linemen. If this is less than a three TD game I'd be shocked. I suspect it will be 31-3 or so, with Fish quitting in 3rd quarter
 
Interesting that Armando Salguero is reporting this am that Philbin will be fired if they miss the playoffs. So Philbin will be fired. and Ross is going to go after Harbaugh again, assuming he leaves 
 
Tannehill is playing for a big contract, too. and he is going to get killed today. He is 30th in the NFL in 4th qtr rating, 30th in passes over 20 yards and 20-somehting on third down. He shows glimpses of greatness, but still has terrible pocket awareness and cannot/will not throw the ball down the field. Ravens mocked him last week by having safeties 15 yards from the line all game and having CBs jump every route. embarrassing
 
Miami is also giving up 3.5 sacks per games since albert got hurt, which basically matches what they did last year. So when you consider that the defense this year is worse than last year and the offensive line is a disaster again, there is no real reason to keep Philbin. I wonder if Harbaugh comes if they get a new GM, too, and just blow it all up. their cap situation for 2015 is not great, either.

 

[pdaj]

I'm at my Pop's house to watch Round 2; he's a Patriots' fan, of course. After all the dancing around the living room I did in Week 1, I deserve all that's coming my way today.
 
Edit: My only hope? On any given Sunday ...

 

[GeorgeCostanza]

How were Pop's moves today?

 

[Tony C]

I assume Philbin gets fired now? I have to say that, though he seems like a dweeb, I kind of think he's done pretty well with the talent he's been given. Particularly the mess of an OL over the last few years.
 
I guess the question is if Tannehill's failure to develop is on Philbin. Don't know enough to judge that.

 

[sodenj5]

I assume Philbin gets fired now? I have to say that, though he seems like a dweeb, I kind of think he's done pretty well with the talent he's been given. Particularly the mess of an OL over the last few years.
 
I guess the question is if Tannehill's failure to develop is on Philbin. Don't know enough to judge that.

 
 
I have mixed feelings on Philbin. While on one hand he has been defined as a mediocre coach due to Miami's mediocre record during his tenure, he was also handed a pretty mediocre team with a bad GM steering the ship. 
 
Also, you may have to define "fail". Is Tannehill a top 10 quarterback? No. Is he better than he was last year. Absolutely. Is it on Philbin that Tannehill can't hit the deep ball? Is it on Philbin that he overthrew Gibson for one INT yesterday and then forced a ball into Miller that ended up picked for a second INT? Is it on Philbin that Damian Williams dropped a gift wrapped TD yesterday? Again, how much of it is coaching and how much of it is players executing?
 
I would say that this team has made incremental improvements in each of his three seasons, but if Harbaugh is going to be available this offseason, there's basically a 0% chance that Ross isn't going to do absolutely everything he can to get him to come to Miami. Harbaugh might be exactly what this team needs. He's basically the polar opposite of Philbin. Philbin is a steady, even keeled, borderline emotionless coach, whereas Harbaugh isn't afraid to cause friction, maybe to a fault, but he coaches with the same passion that he expects his players to play with. There's no questioning his coaching ability, and if I have to stare at pleated khakis on the sidelines for this team to get into the playoffs, so be it. 
 
The biggest surprise of this last 4 weeks is the defensive line. That's the core of this team, and they've absolutely been broken. Whether it's fatigue, or injury, or lack of motivation, this team used to be able to stop the run and rush the quarterback, and now they can do neither. 

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Starks has been atrocious. Mitchell has not done much better and silently Cam Wake has sucked. Starks and Wake are older, too. Might be a big issue cap wise and something that might be ugly this offseason.
 
Philbin is gone. Will new coach keep Lazor? Coyle could be a goner.
 
Keeper players: offense - Tannehill (one more year to prove, get contract, although Dalton got his after third year), Miller, Pouncey (not great this year off injury), Albert, JJames, Landry, Wallace (one more year), Hartline/Matthews (pick one) Sims, Clay. defense - Vernon, Jordan, misi, Jenkins, grimes, Jones
 
Basically I think they need or upgrade the following positions: backup RB (bulldozer type), RG, LG. DT, DT, DE, OLB, CB, CB and SS.

 

[sodenj5]

Starks has been atrocious. Mitchell has not done much better and silently Cam Wake has sucked. Starks and Wake are older, too. Might be a big issue cap wise and something that might be ugly this offseason.
 
Philbin is gone. Will new coach keep Lazor? Coyle could be a goner.
 
Keeper players: offense - Tannehill (one more year to prove, get contract, although Dalton got his after third year), Miller, Pouncey (not great this year off injury), Albert, JJames, Landry, Wallace (one more year), Hartline/Matthews (pick one) Sims, Clay. defense - Vernon, Jordan, misi, Jenkins, grimes, Jones
 
Basically I think they need or upgrade the following positions: backup RB (bulldozer type), RG, LG. DT, DT, DE, OLB, CB, CB and SS.

I honestly feel like Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner can be solutions at guard. Turner is basically getting a redshirt year, but he seems to have the makings of a RG. Thomas is everyone's whipping boy, but let's be honest. He isn't a tackle in this league and he's only playing there due to injuries.

I think next season, a line of Albert-Thomas-Pouncey-Turner-James might actually be decent.

Not to say they can't use depths or improvement at OG.

 

[Shelterdog]

Starks has been atrocious. Mitchell has not done much better and silently Cam Wake has sucked. Starks and Wake are older, too. Might be a big issue cap wise and something that might be ugly this offseason.
 
Philbin is gone. Will new coach keep Lazor? Coyle could be a goner.
 
Keeper players: offense - Tannehill (one more year to prove, get contract, although Dalton got his after third year), Miller, Pouncey (not great this year off injury), Albert, JJames, Landry, Wallace (one more year), Hartline/Matthews (pick one) Sims, Clay. defense - Vernon, Jordan, misi, Jenkins, grimes, Jones
 
Basically I think they need or upgrade the following positions: backup RB (bulldozer type), RG, LG. DT, DT, DE, OLB, CB, CB and SS.

 
Dalton was a second round pick so he was going to be a free agent after four.  With Tannehill you have the $16 million+ option for his fifth year (not guaranteed until the start of the league year) so you can play him for another year without giving him the big contract.
 
EDIT: Thinking Billy Turner and Dallas Thomas are answers is pretty optimistic. They were reasonably high draft picks so I guess they have the raw physical tools but they've got to actually do it before you can count on them: some third round picks are good and some are busts.
 
SECOND EDIT: I'm not sure if Philbin is at fault but whoever is responsible for the Davis/Smith/Dansby decisions should be called to account.  It's rare to see good defensive teams give up on so many talented players. 

 

[Clears Cleaver]

You are right on Dalton. Tannehill's option is a no-brainer at this point as it gives you floor performance and two years to draft a QB if you are the new coach if so desire.
 
I forgot Odrick in the keeper list. I think they erred in letting Solai go and keeping starks. he's been so bad lately

 

[Shelterdog]

You are right on Dalton. Tannehill's option is a no-brainer at this point as it gives you floor performance and two years to draft a QB if you are the new coach if so desire.
 
I forgot Odrick in the keeper list. I think they erred in letting Solai go and keeping starks. he's been so bad lately

 
I can't judge on Solai without watching Falcons film and I'm not going to do that to myself.  He's a part time ok DT per PFF which--if true--is pretty shitty given how big his contract is.

 

[sodenj5]

 
I can't judge on Solai without watching Falcons film and I'm not going to do that to myself.  He's a part time ok DT per PFF which--if true--is pretty shitty given how big his contract is.

 
That's pretty much spot on. Starks hasn't been good, but they signed him for two years. Soliai signed for big bucks with the Falcons and has been a bust. I would say that decision has "panned out" in that regard. 
 
Also, don't forget that Brandon Marshall is on the list of jettisoned talent once Philbin came to town. I don't know if Vontae Davis would have ever reached his full potential in Miami, but seeing him playing now in Indy, man I wish he was still playing for the Fins. Much like his brother Vernon, the light seems to have come on and he's realized he can't be a star in the league on sheer physical talent alone. 
 
Also, with all the talk of a coaching change, two men I would like to see stay are Lazor and Hickey. Hickey was a relatively unknown entity entering the season, but looking at his first season, there looks like there are a lot more hits than misses for him. 
 
Hit:
 
Albert
James
Landry
Satele (not spectacular, but has been valuable for a guy they got off the street)
Delmas
Mitchell
 
 
Miss:
 
Moreno (not bad, but did miss pretty much all season. Signed to 1 yr, so not bad)
Starks (looks cooked)
Shelley Smith
Darren Colledge
 
Lazor also seems like the type of bright, young, innovative minds that you want to keep in your organization. This is his first year as an NFL coordinator. I would like to see him stick around and see how he can evolve. 

 

[dwainw]

Lazor also seems like the type of bright, young, innovative minds that you want to keep in your organization. This is his first year as an NFL coordinator. I would like to see him stick around and see how he can evolve. 

I can't argue with this, but what are the chances of someone like Harbaugh coming in without expecting a clean slate and the expectation of bringing in his own staff?

As for the core of talent worth building around next year, it is exhausting watching this team walk away from a mediocre season, "only a few players away from contending," only to watch them reshuffle the deck chairs and play their way right back into mediocrity year after year after year.  As has been mentioned, the dropoff on defense this year was alarming and gives me little to look forward to in the way of a quick turnaround.   Who can you trust to anchor that unit next year?

Even the improvement shown by Tannehill this year isn't terribly inspiring since his skill set seems so predictable and easily defended by decent-or-better defenses. Would a better offensive line finally open things up for him?  Will they ever be capable of fielding a respectable offensive line for a full season?

Sorry for the negativity--it's gonna be a long offseason.  At least until pitchers and catchers report.....

 

[sodenj5]

Things I'd like to see:

The defense not suck
Continued shots downfield like last week
Moar Miller

 

[jsinger121]

Stephen Ross just announced Philbin is returning next year.

 

[Ed Hillel]

Stephen Ross just announced Philbin is returning next year.

 
Good news for Pats fans. You've got what would potentially be an attractive coaching vacancy to some of the big names, and they stick with Philbin instead.

 

[sodenj5]

With Philbin officially coming back, I'm going to go ahead and say I like the move from the standpoint of continuity. Looking at this season, they have a realistic chance to have a winning season, Ryan Tannehill has taken a few big steps forward, and I'm willing to see what they can do together in Year 4. I'm also glad that Lazor will likely be sticking around unless someone wants to make him a head coach.
 
They also need to stop losing the 3 or 4 tight games/season and prove they can close out games against quality opponents in the 4th quarter.
 
The way they played Green Bay, Denver, Detroit, and New England early in the year shows that they don't necessarily need to blow it up, they just need some reinforcements to compliment what's in place along with the continued growth of what's here already. I said previously, I like what Hickey has done in his first season, and if Harbaugh came in, both Hickey and Lazor would likely be gone, which may not be the best thing. 
 
Just looking forward, on the wish list for the offseason is:
 
Guards
Big Red Zone target (TE or WR)
Power running back to compliment Miller
Linebackers (also, make Dion Jordan a LB)
Safety if Delmas isn't resigned (I actually think that Jamar Taylor could make a very good FS)
Cornerback

 

[Clears Cleaver]

the first thing on your list should be DT. they were playing Dion Jordan at DT in the 4th quarter yday. Starks is done. Mitchell is OK, Odrick is a FA I think. and they have almost no cap room even with Finnegan, delmas, Odrick et all coming off. remember Tannehill's cap # goes way up, as well. And I think they restructure Wallace

 

[sodenj5]

Coyle said during his press conference that they will "consider" moving Dion Jordan to OLB this offseason.

Thank fucking God. Better late than never, and I guess kudos for the coaching staff realizing that they've made a mistake and they need to maximize this guy's talent because there is a reason he was drafted #3 overall. He can make an impact on the game. This is 100% the right move. It obvious that Jordan is a fish out of water at DE. He doesn't have a single pass rush move. He bull rushes, and that's it. That's what a linebacker does. Not only that, but he's about 5th on the DE depth chart and they have an immediate need to upgrade at linebacker because Wheeler and Ellerbe are both likely cuts.

Also Jenkins and Jordan can both cover TEs and RBs and it leaves Jones to play his aggressive style of safety without having to worry about coverage responsibilities as much.

 

[dwainw]

Coyle said during his press conference that they will "consider" moving Dion Jordan to OLB this offseason.

Thank fucking God. Better late than never, and I guess kudos for the coaching staff realizing that they've made a mistake and they need to maximize this guy's talent because there is a reason he was drafted #3 overall. He can make an impact on the game. This is 100% the right move. It obvious that Jordan is a fish out of water at DE. He doesn't have a single pass rush move. He bull rushes, and that's it. That's what a linebacker does. Not only that, but he's about 5th on the DE depth chart and they have an immediate need to upgrade at linebacker because Wheeler and Ellerbe are both likely cuts.

Also Jenkins and Jordan can both cover TEs and RBs and it leaves Jones to play his aggressive style of safety without having to worry about coverage responsibilities as much.

Dude, do you ever sleep?  Anyway, funny that Coyle would finally be "considering" that, now that his job appears to be on the line.

Regarding Philbin, you mentioned being happy about his retention for the sake of continuity, etc.  I think your point is valid, but this guy just doesn't inspire the confidence in me to take things to the next level.  At all.  Yeah, I'm jaded by yet another letdown of a season that has become more predictable this time of year than, oh say.............Christmas itself, but the team has shown such drastic swings and has come up small so many times during his tenure to feel good about his ability to bring out the best in his players.  I mean, I'm not asking him to conjur up Lombardian or Vermeilian levels of player motivation, but this team's performance speaks for itself.  

Honest question:  Aside from the very intangible and immeasurable aspect of his ability to inspire, or lack thereof, do you see anything in his technical/administrative abilities that makes you feel good about his coaching performance in Miami in the future?  For example, the idea of converting Jordan to LB has been bandied about quite a bit this season, and yet Philbin has stuck with Coyle and his decision to sick with the status quo.  Is it stubbornness, or does he see something others who watch the team closely don't see?  

 

[sodenj5]

Dude, do you ever sleep?  Anyway, funny that Coyle would finally be "considering" that, now that his job appears to be on the line.

Regarding Philbin, you mentioned being happy about his retention for the sake of continuity, etc.  I think your point is valid, but this guy just doesn't inspire the confidence in me to take things to the next level.  At all.  Yeah, I'm jaded by yet another letdown of a season that has become more predictable this time of year than, oh say.............Christmas itself, but the team has shown such drastic swings and has come up small so many times during his tenure to feel good about his ability to bring out the best in his players.  I mean, I'm not asking him to conjur up Lombardian or Vermeilian levels of player motivation, but this team's performance speaks for itself.  

Honest question:  Aside from the very intangible and immeasurable aspect of his ability to inspire, or lack thereof, do you see anything in his technical/administrative abilities that makes you feel good about his coaching performance in Miami in the future?  For example, the idea of converting Jordan to LB has been bandied about quite a bit this season, and yet Philbin has stuck with Coyle and his decision to sick with the status quo.  Is it stubbornness, or does he see something others who watch the team closely don't see?  

Sleep is overrated. Actually I'm not that big a fan of Coyle. He seems too slow to make adjustments to what the offense is doing and he hasn't figured out how to use the #3 overall pick in the draft for two years. Jordan is a linebacker that they wanted to make a pass rusher. With the emergence of Olivier Vernon, there should be no question that Jordan should be an OLB next year. It's where he will play the best and where he can help the team the most. Absolute no brainer.

I'm also not a huge fan of Philbin, but the team has improved each year under him, and if they were to blow it up, we're likely looking at another 3-4 years of rebuilding. There's no promise that the new guy would keep anyone, including Tannehill. Philbin also seems to have the support of the players. They could have easily tanked the Minnesota game after giving up 15 points in like 30 seconds, but they never quit on the game, and several vets like Cam Wake were quoted as supporting Philbin coming back next year.

Let them all sink or swim next year. If they don't make the playoffs, Hickey, Philbin, Coyle, Lazor, and Tannehill can all be cleaned out in one swoop and an entirely new regime can take over a clean slate.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

Is Philbin > Jason Garrett? Maybe same tracks?
 
Coyle's job is still in doubt. The defense completely fell apart the last four weeks. But Jordan should have been a OLB from day 1. It will be interesting to see where they go. Stopping the run should be priority #1, that means DT and LB. then they need another CB or two for sure as the Jamals haven't worked and Finnegan is toast. Also need to replace Delmas.  

 

[rymflaherty]

It's not where the team wanted to be, having this game not matter in the playoff picture, but they mine as well get the W and come away with a winning season.
I think that becomes especially important since it appears that Philbin will be back. Having your first winning season in 5 years (or whatever it's been) is at least a positive to build off.
 
They'd also achieve that without smoke-and mirrors, or due to an advantageous schedule (like 08').
Again, not where I wanted this season to end up, but when you look at things as a whole, with another strong performance today, it does feel like they are moving in the right direction.

 

[dwainw]

Finnegan doing his best to ensure that both he and Coyle won't return next year, if it wasn't already a forgone conclusion.

While the defense continues to disappoint, on the flip side,Tannehill continues to show progress and shine, despite spending all afternoon on his ass.

Between the holes on D and on the OL, plenty of work lies ahead in the coming year to construct a contender around the core talent.   Could be tough, considering their cap situation.  While there's a lot to like about this offense with the likes of Tanny, Miller, Clay, and Landry yet to peak, it s[SIZE=13.63636302948px]eems like there are an equal number of doubts vs. reasons to be hopeful with this team.  And if it comes down to coaching, well.......

P.S. And just as I prepare to post, Grimes gives up another huge play v. Geno Smith and Decker.  The hell?[/SIZE]

 

[smastroyin]

Joe Philbin seems to be trying to convert nice guys finish last into nice guys settle comfortably into mediocrity. Another year of fading down the stretch in games and the season. Another year of every time the team gets punched in the mouth, it curls into the fetal position.

Keeping him is probably the right move for continuity rather than another restart, but ultimately he's responsible for the on field performance.

 

[Philip Jeff Frye]

Seemed like a rerun of last year's season ending game (with less on the line, of course).  Dolphins should pick up Geno Smith - he looks pretty good when he plays in Miami.

 

[Clears Cleaver]

ehh, whatever. its pretty clear the o-line and entire defense needs to be revamped. Coyle has to be gone. 
 
ITs tough to win in the NFL when your guards get destroyed every single game

 

[sodenj5]

I suppose in the long run, in a list season, losing the last meaningless game is probably a plus in terms of draft status, but still disheartening to see Tannehill get smashed all afternoon.

Congrats are in order for Tannehill breaking 4000 yards and Miller breaking 1000 on that 97 yard run.

 

[sodenj5]

Checking Twitter now, it appears Wallace was benched for the second half. He literally had Brandon Gibson answer questions from the media for him after the game. Ugly, ugly way to end the season.