Miami Dolphins at Cross Roads

Nov 11, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins are at a serious cross roads.

These past two weeks have been ugly. While the Richie Incognito-Jonathan Martin scandal has been at the forefront, Dolphin fans should be equally concerned with the team. Monday Night’s loss to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers did more than make me cringe and brush it off like every other loss.

The first half, especially, brought a wave of embarrassment. This is what $200 million bought the Dolphins? Is this what the number eighth overall pick got us in Ryan Tannehill? Dion Jordan? Non-existent (although, when he does play he makes an impact).

I’m not saying I’m off the Tannehill bandwagon or I that don’t believe in Mike Wallace and Dannell Ellerbe? What I’m saying is this team is at a cross roads and its time for them to find an identity.

Does that mean firing the coaching staff and starting over? Maybe. Does it mean sticking with what we have and trying to make it work? Probably. Does it mean general manager Jeff Ireland is out the door, quickly followed by offensive coordinator Mike Sherman? Hopefully.

There are many different roads owner Stephen Ross can take, but whatever he may choose will affect this organization for years to come. This path could either make the Dolphins a perennial playoff team or keep them out like most of the last decade.

Regardless of the drama in the locker room, this team was supposed to unite together and fight through the adversity. During interviews before the game, it certainly sounded like that was the road they were taking.

I thought Monday night’s game was the quintessential moment for Tannehill to rise above it once and for all and grab the leadership reigns. While Tannehill did have some nice throws there were some bad ones, topped off by taking the two sacks at the end of the game to seal Miami’s fate.

This road of mediocrity is the worst. Being bad, like Detroit was for an extended stretch, led them to drafting pro bowl talent, turning them into a real contender. There are teams like Oakland and Tampa Bay that have had to fight with being mediocre the last decade, but even they competed in a Super Bowl in the last 15 years.

Being mediocre puts your 7-15 in the draft. What good does that do you if your general manager struggles to find hidden gems? Mediocrity often forces your team to hold onto players and coaches longer than they should and makes the city a lackluster destination. Sound familiar?

The Miami Dolphins have been given the chance to fight off mediocrity once again, but this cross roads is going to play a significant role in the team’s future and its up to Ross and his staff to right the ship. Or this may never end…