2013 Miami Dolphins Top 10 Stories

Number 3: Dolphins Lose Two To End Season

Dec 29, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson (91) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins held their future in their hands not once but twice in 2013.  Two separate instances of win and your in and it unfolded with heartbreak both times.  A month apart, Miami only needed to win one more game and the talk would be playoffs and not coaching change.  Miami failed to secure a playoff appearance yet again.  After a huge victory against the New England Patriots at home it appeared the Dolphins were a no-brainer for the post season.  With game against Buffalo and the New York Jets, both of whom were below .500 the Dolphins were the popular vote for the sixth and final playoff seed in the AFC.

The Dolphins parlayed the opportunity into one of the franchises worst two game performances in their history.  A combined seven points in two games while giving up 40.  Adding insult to injury the Jets announced after their week 17 victory that officially knocked Miami out that their beleaguered HC Rex Ryan would return for the 2014 season ending the rumors that he would be fired.

For their part, the Dolphins went from a team who might be able to do some damage in January to a team who will likely face early new year shakeups in their management or coaching or both.