Miami Dolphins at a Crossroads

VERO BEACH--These are trying times in South Florida.

The playoffs are out of reach, Tony Sparano's expiration date finally came earlier this week, and everyone's job, minus Reggie Bush's, is on the line.

The Miami Dolphins have a choice to make.  A big one.

Do they throw in the towel for the final three games, give up, quit.  Or do they fight back like they've done over the last month.  Fight for pride, fight for respect, and for almost everybody, even newly anointed interim coach Todd Bowles, fight for a job next season.

Oh yes, a crossroads indeed.  The latter option seems like the more likely choice, especially when Tony Sparano was manning the ship, however, that ship is in between captains right now, and there in lies the problem.

 The Sparano era is over.  The Todd Bowles era has begun, and how the Dolphins perform today against the Bills in frigid, hostile Buffalo will say a lot about the character of the team.

You thought the Dolphins faced adversity earlier this year during the 0-7 start, well, that was nothing compared to what they're facing now.  That adversity didn't fall on the players, at least not most of it.  No, most of that adversity fell on then head coach Tony Sparano, the Dolphins proverbial father figure, a father who's since been dismissed from the team.

Now it's time to be big boys, Miami.  Now you're on your own.  Now, it's all on you.  It's all on you Matt Moore. It's all on you Reggie Bush. It's all on you Karlos Dansby. It's all on you Kevin Burnett. Its all on - well, you get the picture.

Daddy Sparano won't be there when the time's get tough, and oh yes, they will get tough.  Daddy Sparano won't be at the podium after the game tomorrow taking the heat if you guy's lose.  Those day's are over.

 Those day's are over for a while.

 The responsibility now falls squarely on the players, and how they respond may very well determine whether or not they have a job next year.  Starting today in an always bitter Ralph Wilson Stadium, the Miami Dolphins have a choice to make.  To flee, or to fight.

Yes, these are trying times in South Florida.

Trying times indeed.