Dolphins Prove Mediocre in Season-Finale Loss to Jets

In the ultimate test of willpower, heart and motivation, the Miami Dolphins utterly failed as they fell to the lowly New York Jets at home in their regular-season finale. The 37-24 final score was an embarrassing result for a team that has crumbled in the last two months of the season.

At 8-8, Miami limps into the offseason yet again without reaching the playoffs. The Dolphins just needed to beat the now 4-12 Jets to achieve a winning record for the first time since 2008, but the defense continued their mudslide with a lackluster performance.

"

That's 28, 41, 35 and 37 points by last four Dolphins opponents. Jets entered averaging 315 yards. Have 494 today. Geno Smith throws for 358

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 28, 2014"

Miami’s defense continued to prove fraudulent, as Jets’ quarterback Geno Smith amassed 358 yards, three touchdowns and a perfect passer rating. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan didn’t do much to prove to Dolphins management that he should return in 2015, as Jets receiver Eric Decker torched him for a career-high 221 yards on 10 receptions.

The unlikely duo of Smith and Decker proved to be unstoppable for the Dolphins defense, which again played the same predictable coverages and lacked impact plays. New York converted six of 14 third-down attempts, and even threw in a fake punt to set up the game-sealing touchdown.

"

Philbin says team was "outplayed & outcoached. I can't make any excuses. You should play better.You should coach better." Sounds familiar.

— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) December 28, 2014"

It’s been the same story for five of the last eight weeks, as Miami has ended the second half of the season 3-5. Joe Philbin has mentioned being outcoached and the team being outplayed almost every week, and that’s doomed the franchise to mediocrity. The lack of effort and team-first attitude in the locker room is an indictment on Philbin and Kevin Coyle, the defensive coordinator.

Miami’s offense played decently until the fourth quarter despite the benching of wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked seven times, mostly due to more reshuffling across the offensive line. But Tannehill passed for 259 yards and a touchdown—putting him over 4,000 yards for the season—and broke Dan Marino’s franchise record for completions in a season.

"

For the first time in franchise history, we have a 4000 yard passer and a 1000 yard rusher. #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/0hnbchmghh

— Mm Dlphns (@MiamiDolphins) December 28, 2014"

Running back Lamar Miller had a career-high 178 rushing yards on 19 carries. His 97-yard touchdown run was the longest in franchise history giving him over 1,000 for the first time in his career.

Along with the re-emergence of Brian Hartline, those were the positives for the offense.

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported that Wallace was benched for arguing with a coach. After the game, Wallace refused to answer questions, and teammate Brandon Gibson answered questions for Wallace.

"

BIZARRE watching Wallace standing arms folded and nodding as Gibson spoke for him saying Mike was benched over difference of opinion.

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) December 28, 2014"

This episode is another sign that the Dolphins’ locker room likely needs a purge after the season. There isn’t enough character on this roster for a winning team. To win, it takes great leadership, numerous impact players and a strong coaching staff.

Amidst this 8-8 season, Miami has proven that they lack leadership, too few playmakers and a coaching staff that just isn’t good enough. In spite of the change that is desperately needed at the top, Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross seems willing to sit idly and let the franchise waste the prime years of Ryan Tannehill and Reshad Jones.

"

Something wrong: Wallace ends season on bench. Tannehill ends season on ground. Dolphins end season with loss. Philbin ends season with job.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) December 28, 2014"

Maybe the ugly final loss for the Dolphins will spur a late change in Ross’ plans. It certainly should. Philbin hasn’t shown any progress in his time as the head coach, and his loyalty to coordinators that aren’t good enough has led to collapses in consecutive seasons.

Change is needed, and coming, but relying on Dennis Hickey to save the franchise is likely too tall of an order for one offseason.

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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