Latest Controversy Has Philbin, Dolphins Nearing Disaster

Can't we just go back to week one?

Back to the Mike Wallace circus catch in the end zone? Back to the Knowshon Moreno demolition derby? Back to the Cam Wake whack-a-mole?

Can't we just relive that day for just a moment? Bask in the glory a little longer? Relish the smiles, the hugs, the tears, even?

It was only 17 days ago. That's all. Hard to believe, isn't it? After two 19 point losses, and one curveball of a press conference, 17 days seems more like 17 weeks right now in South Florida.

All because of #17. Sort of ironic, isn't it?

And now here we are, less than three weeks removed from that glorious afternoon, trying to sift through the wreckage left behind by Joe Philbin. Trying to understand what angle he's taking, what trick he has up his sleeve, what end game he has in mind.

So far...crickets.

And it's not just us, either.

"Honestly, yes," Ryan Tannehill said today when asked if Philbin's words, or lack thereof, bothered him.

"Does it feel good to deal with all the distractions that have been created? No. But that's life. You face distractions and you face adversity in life. You have to be able to handle it. You have to be able to fight through it and become a better player because of it. So here we are and we're getting ready to play."

It was an unusually candid response from a usually laid back Tannehill, and it was clear the suddenly embattled quarterback was visibly frustrated. But it didn't stop there.

"He told me why and I asked him," Tannehill said. "You got to get that from him. He has his reasons."

To quote one Neil Armstrong, Houston, we have a problem. A big one. And I can only foresee one way of fixing it: Win, and win now.

Because a loss on Sunday would turn this potential storm into a full blown, category five hurricane for Joe Philbin and the Miami Dolphins. One that I don't see anybody surviving.

Anything less than a win on Sunday, headlined by a solid performance out of Ryan Tannehill, is going to send this once promising season into an uncontrollable tailspin.

You thought last December was pressure? Sunday is going to make that seem like a preseason game. Because make no mistake about it, if, and when, Joe Philbin makes the switch to Matt Moore, there is absolutely no going back. And if it doesn't work, if Moore doesn't get you nine wins and a playoff spot, then it'll be the last move Phlbin ever makes as a head coach.

And maybe that's what Joe Philbin wants. Maybe this is his play. If it is, and it sure seems like it is, then he better hope it works, because he's all in now. His hand is dealt.

Unfortunately, and probably unnecessarily, it's him against the world right now.

And it's only week four! Talk about a compelling drama. Talk about an unnecessary turn of events. Talk about reality TV at it's finest.

All because of what Philbin didn't say.

Tomorrow night, Tannehill and the Dolphins are set to leave for London, which begs the question that only 17 short days ago seemed unthinkable: Has Ryan Tannehill started his last game on American soil for the Miami Dolphins?

For once, all eyes will be on Joe Philbin, #17, and the 1-2 Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Unfortunately, it's just for all the wrong reasons.

Tally-ho!