Dolphins End Losing Streak, Extend Joe Philbin Era

The Dolphins’ two-game skid ended in exciting fashion on Sunday, as Miami scored four touchdowns in the second half and blocked a punt with 40 seconds left to seal its 37-35 victory over the upstart Minnesota Vikings. It was Miami’s first home win since its Thursday night battle against the Buffalo Bills on November 13.

After the Dolphins completed their comeback, owner Stephen Ross announced in the locker room that Joe Philbin would be returning as the head coach of the franchise in 2015. The announcement immediately ends all speculation that Ross could be angling to nab a superstar head coach to replace Philbin.

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Stephen Ross in the locker room following the victory: I believe in what we're building, Coach Philbin is coming back next year.

— Mm Dlphns (@MiamiDolphins) December 21, 2014"

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

If nothing else, Dolphins players have given nothing but public support for Philbin, including Mike Wallace again on Sunday. Wallace had this to say after news that Philbin will be returning to coach his fourth season with the team, according to Andrew Abramson of The Palm Beach Post.

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'That’s our coach. We’re rocking with him,' receiver Mike Wallace. 'That’s my guy. I have a good time playing for him.

'The plays may not always work, but that’s on us. I think coach Philbin does an excellent job of getting us prepared for games.'

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Wallace hasn’t been the only player to give Philbin praise as the pressure grew on Philbin after two straight painful losses to playoff contenders. Miami’s on-field play hasn’t necessarily echoed what players have said, as they allowed the Vikings to build a quick 14-0 lead, but the Dolphins looked much more focused and clearly adjusted in the second half.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill benefited from Miami’s continued commitment to the running game, throwing for 396 yards and four touchdowns. He targeted nine Dolphins receivers, showing that he’s continued his growth into one of the league’s top young quarterbacks.

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

The Dolphins also greatly benefited from a throwback game from tight end Charles Clay. Clay is an impending free agent, and his game Sunday could convince Miami that he is still a potential high-impact player for this offense. His six receptions and 114 yards were easily part of his best game of the season.

The aforementioned Wallace had another solid game on Sunday, totaling two touchdowns to give him 10 on the season. Another touchdown in Week 17 and he will set a new career high for one season. His career as a Dolphin hasn’t been silky-smooth, but he’s become a more well-rounded weapon than he ever was in Pittsburgh.

The Dolphins defense continued to struggle, as rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater exploited multiple defenders that were in poor position en route to 259 yards passing, two touchdowns and an interception. He looked every bit the part of his first-round draft status and nearly overcame being sacked four times to lead his Vikings to a victory.

Miami was saved by a few opportune plays by its defense and special teams, including rookie Terrence Fede’s blocked punt for a safety with 40 seconds left in the game. Fede has been a nice role player for Miami despite coming from Marist as an extremely raw prospect.

Defensive ends Derrick Shelby and Cameron Wake provided two other major sparks to the defense. Shelby made a game-changing interception on Bridgewater when he tipped a pass and caught the ball in an impressive athletic play. Wake seemed much healthier this week, and he accentuated a strong performance by logging two sacks. The last of which forced Minnesota to punt the ball deep in its own end zone.

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

It’s hard to win in the NFL when impact players aren’t performing, as the team needs to stay competitive in crucial moments. This week, Miami got enough key plays to overcome a great effort by the Vikings. Moving into 2015 after this week against the Jets, Miami needs to continue adding playmakers that can separate the team from the pack of mediocrity.

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Ross: "Patience is a virtue, you know, but I'm expecting big things next year, I'll tell you that."

— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) December 21, 2014"

Although 2014 was thought to be a playoffs-or-bust season for Philbin and his staff, it seems as though we were off one year with that mindset. Another year with this regime has some positives, especially if Miami can add some more talent on each side of the ball.

Time will tell whether extending the Philbin era is a wise decision or not. In the meantime, the Dolphins will be preparing for their divisional rival, the New York Jets, in Week 17.

All stats used are from sports-reference.com.

Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting and analyst for eDraft. 

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