If you were to bring up Joe Philbin’s name to a Dolphins fan you would likely be met with a negative response. Most fans don’t like him because they think he is stale, bland, boring, etc. Many dislike his micro managing of everything that doesn’t seem football related. The HBO series Hardknocks has forever implanted in fans minds images of him quietly losing his mind over seeing a gum wrapper on the practice field. None of those qualities or traits make me dislike Philbin. He seems like a very knowledgeable guy. He seems to be a coach who doesn’t play favorites and someone who is a no nonsense kind of guy. All of which I have no problem with.
However, what I do have a problem with is that his teams routinely lose close games. It’s not that they just lose close games, it’s that they seem to go out of their way to lose close games. Fumbles, offensive sacks, missed field goals, defense falling apart, clock management. Should I go on? When a team consistently falls apart in the fourth quarter, that falls on the coach and his staff. Now don’t get me wrong, in no way is that a free pass for the players, as I have always said when levying out credit and blame the players deserve the bulk when it comes to wins and losses. But in this case, this is a direct indictment on the culture and preparation instilled by Philbin and his staff.
Since 2012 the Dolphins have 21 games decided by seven points or less, in which they are 9-12. Of those 21 games, eleven of those have been decided by three points or less, the Dolphins are 3-8 in those decided by a field goal or less. What’s most alarming in those losses is the fact that they have actually led going into the fourth quarter in seven of those. In two of the games in which they didn’t lead in the fourth, they forced a tie during the fourth quarter. And most recently, against the Packers and Lions they took the lead in the fourth up until their opponents final possession of the game.
At some point, a Joe Philbin coached team must buckle down late in games if they want to be playing late into January. Whether it’s calling the right plays, knowing when to run and when to pass to eat up the clock. It’s understand the clock and how to use it to your advantage. It’s playing defense to your strengths. Whatever the case may be, and it has been all of the aforementioned, Philbin must, or should I say, has to pull this group together late in games.
The Dolphins sit at 6-5 going into tonight’s game with the Jets, and are in striking distance of the last playoff seed. If recent history is any indication, then tonight’s game will be no cake walk regardless of the opponents record. This game may very well be decided in the fourth quarter. Are you ready Joe?
Phins Up! Dolphins 31 Jets 13
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