Miami (8-7) compares with the Jets both defensively (22.4 points and 333.3 yards allowed per game) and in terms of coaching volatility, although the latter was cleared up following last Sunday’s 37-35 win over Minnesota when owner Steve Ross confirmed coach Joe Philbin will return in 2015.
“It’s important for a head coach of a NFL football team that the owner believes in him, what he is doing and the program he is instilling,” Philbin said. “It’s very important. If you don’t have that type of belief and faith from the owner it’s not going to work.
“I know if players don’t believe in their coaches and coaches don’t believe in their players, you have no chance. … But again, I’ve been in this profession a long time, I wasn’t worried about my own personal future.”
Miami’s slim playoff hopes were put to rest last week after Pittsburgh beat Kansas City, but the Dolphins can still head into the offseason on a high note. A victory Sunday would mark the Dolphins’ first winning season since 2008.
Philbin’s return only adds to that momentum.
“That’s exciting news for me, and I think everyone on the team,” quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. “We believe in coach Philbin and the program he has and everything he has set in place.”
Tannehill has proven to be a more-than-capable starting QB, posting quality numbers in his third season. He sits near the top of the league in completion percentage (67.0 percent) and in the top 15 in passing yards (252.4), touchdowns (26) and passer rating (93.2).
Against the Vikings, Tannehill completed 35-of-47 passes for 396 yards and four touchdowns.
Miami won its Week 13 matchup with the Jets 16-13, holding Smith to 65 yards passing. The Dolphins have topped New York in four of the last six matchups, but fell in the last meeting in Miami 20-7 on Dec. 29, 2013.
