DOLPHINS | Coach Search

Miami Dolphins interview former Titans coach Jeff Fisher

Dolphins interview former Titans coach; former Chiefs executive Petersen appears to be part of process.

DOLPHINS | Coach Search

Miami Dolphins to interview former Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher

Former Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher is scheduled to have an interview with the Dolphins for their coach opening this week.

In my opinion

Make-or-break year for Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross

Dolphins owner Stephen Ross predictably and with enthusiasm was booed in his own stadium when introduced Sunday to pay pregame homage to retiring Jason Taylor. Recluse general manager Jeff Ireland surely would have been booed, too, had he risen from his rabbit hole for a rare public appearance.

Dolphins notebook

Future of Miami Dolphins’ Chad Henne uncertain; Reggie Bush’s injury won’t require surgery

Monday, an official national holiday for most of the United States, was the last official work day for the 2011 Dolphins players.

In my opinion

Miami Dolphins’ coaching search has potential to delight or disappoint

Unless someone is telling a whopper, Jon Gruden isn’t coming. Neither is Bill Cowher. So the Dolphins’ fanciful search for a star head coach, somebody who will bring credibility and championships while also selling tickets in the process, starts in earnest Monday … with an interview with interim coach Todd Bowles.

In My Opinion

Heart of Miami Dolphins’ Jason Taylor was always in the right place

“I will always love the Miami Dolphins,” Jason Taylor said after they beat the Jets 19-17 on Sunday.

In My Opinion

Emotional farewell for Miami Dolphins’ Jason Taylor

Jason Taylor carried slowly off the field up on the shoulders of teammates Sunday afternoon was the last snapshot Dolphins fans would see of their all-time great defender. Taylor waved at the fans’ appreciative cheering but he was shaking his head, embarrassed by the attention, by the royal treatment.

Dolphins 19, Jets 17

Miami Dolphins end season on a high note, defeat New York Jets

The last game in Jason Taylor’s 15-year NFL career could have been his career in microcosm.

Miami Dolphins notebook

Miami Dolphins’ Yeremiah Bell expecting to be fined for hit

Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell expects to be fined and expects to appeal his fine for a fourth quarter helmet-to-helmet contact penalty that could have changed the game.

Miami Dolphins

Keys to the game: Dolphins vs. Jets

Who won: Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins

Quarter-by-quarter: Dolphins vs. Jets

Impact player: Jets wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, operating as the quarterback, completed a 41-yard throw to tight end Matthew Mulligan to the Dolphins’ 25, setting up a touchdown.

Miami Dolphins

Grading the game: Dolphins vs. Jets

Matt Moore was bad. He didn’t convert in the red zone. He threw two interceptions. He managed only 135 yards. All he did was succeed in not being as bad as Mark Sanchez. Folks, the best quarterback in this game was receiver Jeremy Kerley and that says something – none of it good for Moore or Sanchez. GRADE: C-minus.

Dolphins | vs. Jets; 1 p.m., CBS

For Miami Dolphins, much has changed since last meeting with New York Jets

The Dolphins have been more consistent than the Jets since their first game in October, and now New York must win to keep its playoff hopes alive.

In My Opinion

Miami Dolphins’ Jason Taylor gives back to community while preparing for retirement

Jason Taylor visited the hospital a few days before Christmas with his wife and three kids. They brought a lot of toys for kids with cancer, burn victims, children with deformities. Taylor's children didn't want to leave, they were having so much fun playing, connecting, giving -- unwrapping, in other words, Dad's real and lasting gifts. Later that night, over prayer, his kids thanked each of the children they met by name, and damn if that didn't just about make the tough, old football player cry. It can make you emotional, getting old. Appreciative, too.

Breaking down the game: Dolphins vs. Jets

WHEN THE DOLPHINS RUN THE BALL

Dolphins

Miami Dolphins coaching staff deals with change

The Dolphins’ assistants know that living with job insecurity is part of the profession when a head coach leaves.

In my opinion

Miami Dolphins’ open coaching spot falls short of an elite job

Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross is a confident person, as many self-made billionaires tend to be, so his view of the world and more importantly his football team reflects that confidence.

Dolphins | vs. Jets, 1 p.m., CBS

Dolphins look to ‘shatter’ Jets during season finale

Defensive lineman Kendall Langford summed up the Dolphins’ outlook for Sunday, when they hope to crush the rival Jets’ playoff hopes.

In my opinion

Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees should share MVP award

I hate ties. OK, maybe tie-goes-to-the-runner is all right and tied shoelaces are a must, but I hate all other ties, from the ones you knot around your neck to the ones that occasionally pop up in sports, dangling there like perpetually uncompleted thoughts. I must make an exception, though, and advocate a tie in this NFL year wrapping up its regular season Sunday.

Dolphins | Jason Taylor

Miami Dolphins’ Jason Taylor calls it a career

Jason Taylor’s usual self-deprecating remarks, delivered weekly since 1997, came Wednesday without the usual secure smile or regal bearing that often undercut his words.

Greg Cote’s Week 17 NFL picks

Enjoyed another solid outing against the spread last week, a parade led by Giants beating Jets in an outright upset pick. Bull’s-eyed underdog Seahawks, Colts, Dolphins and Vikings with the points, too, and continued a nice run on zeroing in on scores as well. Had a rare exacto in Titans’ 23-17 win. Had Bengals winning 24-16 (it was 23-16). And had Steelers winning 24-0 (it was 27-0). “Happy new year” can wait. Against the spread, I’m pretty happy about THIS year.

In my opinion

Miami Dolphins should honor Jason Taylor right away

With one Dolphins game still left in his career tank, and against the nemesis Jets no less, “This is not the time for thank-yous and goodbyes,” Jason Taylor said Wednesday.

In My Opinion

Miami Dolphins’ Jason Taylor will play his final game Sunday against Jets

Jason Taylor, who has collected more sacks than any player in Dolphins history and is sixth all-time among NFL sack leaders, will play the final game of his 15-year career Sunday.

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins’ Jake Long, Brandon Marshall selected for Pro Bowl

Dolphins offensive tackle Jake Long and wide receiver Brandon Marshall have been selected to the 2012 AFC Pro Bowl team, with Long earning a starter’s nod and Marshall chosen as a reserve.

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins deal with Jake Long’s battered body

Jake Long, who has battled myriad injuries in the past year and a half, might be out until the start of the 2012 season with a torn biceps.

In My Opinion

Miami Dolphins’ season finale minor compared to offseason plans

The stuff that Todd Bowles is concerned about this week seems on the surface important because a victory against the hated New York Jets is the first thing on his mind. So he’s worried about Jake Long’s health and making sure his replacement is ready. He’s thinking about how to get the Dolphins to play hard because they didn’t do that in the season finale last year. He’s concerned about getting tight end Anthony Fasano back in the lineup, something everyone expects.

Miami Dolphins

Dolphins veterans might be facing last game for Miami

As the Dolphins plan to seek upgrades in the offseason at multiple spots, several players might be playing their last game for Miami on Sunday.

In My Opinion

Miami Dolphins’ Matt Moore is solid, but not elite

The Dolphins believe Matt Moore is a starting-caliber NFL quarterback.

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins’ Jake Long tears right biceps

Dolphins left tackle Jake Long suffered a torn right biceps during Saturday's game, ESPN first reported Sunday morning. For Long, that likely will end a season that took a toll on him physically.

Patriots 27, Dolphins 24

Miami Dolphins collapse in second half in loss to New England Patriots

The Dolphins have pretty much mastered the art of the collapse against the Patriots, each meltdown more vexing than the last.

Miami Dolphins

Grading the game: Dolphins at Patriots

Matt Moore’s rating (99.8) suggests he played great. He threw for 294 yards. He moved around in the pocket and tried to buy time amid a solid rush. But on a day he threw three touchdowns and one interception, the Dolphins probably needed a four-touchdown performance with no interceptions. They needed him to hold on to the ball instead of fumbling it twice. Miami simply needed Moore to be better than just good. GRADE: B.

Miami Dolphins notebook

Miami Dolphins’ draft spot still not settled

The Dolphins will enter the final week of the season with the eighth pick in the NFL Draft, but with the chance to move up or down a bit before draft order is settled.

Dolphins at Patriots | 1 p.m. Sat., CBS

Miami Dolphins are better equipped to beat New England Patriots this time

Miami goes into New England with an offense that is clicking thanks to a red-hot Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall, who has been on of late.

Miami Dolphins

Breaking down the game: Dolphins at Patriots

Here lies the grand opportunity to make this game close, if not win it altogether. The only way Miami wins is to keep Tom Brady on his sideline. The only way to do that is for Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas to perform against New England’s inconsistent run defense (4.6 yards per carry allowed) the way they performed against Buffalo’s terrible run defense (5.1 yards per carry allowed). If the Dolphins succeed here, win the time of possession game, dominate up front and avoid turnovers, what is billed as a long day for the Dolphins could turn into a close game. Of course, that was Denver’s plan against New England last week, too. And the Broncos failed. ADVANTAGE: Miami.

Dolphins

Miami Dolphins’ Jared Odrick reflects on lessons taught during time with Paterno

After missing most of his rookie season, Jared Odrick and his sacks — but maybe not his unique celebration of them — have been welcomed.

In My Opinion

Matt Barkley’s choice could have Miami Dolphins scrambling

The silver lining seemed so shiny and plausible seven weeks ago, didn’t it? Yes, the Dolphins were navigating a terrible storm of a season, complete with a two-month-long winless skid, a season-ending injury to the starting quarterback and weekly updates on the coach’s impending firing. But at least there was a promise of brighter days to follow all that darkness.

Dolphins

Miami Dolphins must disable many weapons in game against New England

In Week 1, New England torched Miami for an ‘embarrassing’ 622 yards of offense. The Dolphins defense seeks to atone for that effort Saturday.

In My Opinion

Replacing Marino still an issue for Miami Dolphins

As Dan Marino prepares to wave goodbye to his last-remaining NFL passing record, the Dolphins’ aim to replace him with the franchise’s long-awaited Next Great Quarterback suffered a blow Thursday when Southern Cal’s Matt Barkley announced he would return for his senior season rather than enter the NFL Draft.

Greg Cote’s Week 16 NFL picks

Took the broadside hit of a 9-7 mark last week. Called Chargers over Ravens but got blindsided by most of those other upsets. Also had a miserably failed Upset of the Week call on Jets over Eagles. Oy. Limped in 6-7-3 against the spread (with Lions-Raiders a push and two others off the board). Nailed Colts with points over Titans, and Seahawks and Redskins with points, but there wasn’t enough of that. [Note: Records do not include Thursday result. Pick was Texans (-6) over Colts, 24-20].

Miami Dolphins

Name change on the horizon for Sun Life Stadium

The stadium the Dolphins have called home since 1987 will go by a new name again soon.

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins’ John Jerry getting a jump on 2012 starting spot

Second-year offensive lineman John Jerry has been impressive during the past three weeks, which could mean an expanded role next season.

Dolphins 30, Bills 23

Reggie Bush leads Miami Dolphins in win over Buffalo Bills

Miami improved to 5-2 in its past seven games after the dreadful 0-7 start, holding on in snowy Buffalo in interim coach Todd Bowles’ debut.

In My Opinion

With right moves, Miami Dolphins’ Jeff Ireland will be in win-win situation

Jeff Ireland left the locker room about the same time several players on the victorious Dolphins came out, but the differences between the general manager and players as they streamed toward team buses could not have been more obvious if one was measuring their physical size.

Dolphins | Reggie Bush

Miami Dolphins’ Reggie Bush has career day to power victory

The red-hot Reggie Bush continued to prove his doubters wrong, posting the fourth 200-yard rushing game in team history.

Miami Dolphins notebook

Miami Dolphins’ 1972 record stands after Green Bay Packers’ loss

The 1972 Dolphins will stand alone in their perfection for yet another year. The previously unbeaten Green Bay Packers stumbled for the first time on Sunday, dropping a 19-14 decision to the Chiefs and ending their bid for a perfect season.

Miami Dolphins

Keys to the game: Dolphins at Bills

Who won: Bush.

Miami Dolphins

Quarter-by-quarter breakdown: Dolphins at Bills

Impact player: With the Dolphins trailing 7-0 and needing a big play, Charles Clay ended the quarter by catching a pass in traffic at the Bills’ 41 and then gaining an extra 19 yards to the 22-yard line. The play set up the Dolphins’ first score on the first play of the second quarter.

Miami Dolphins

Grading the game: Dolphins at Bills

QUARTERBACK

Dolphins | at Bills, 1 p.m., CBS

Miami Dolphins-Buffalo Bills rivalry renewed in Todd Bowles debut

Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell, who said the Bills ‘laid down’ last month at Sun Life Stadium, is primed for Sunday’s rematch in Orchard Park, N.Y.

In My Opinion

Decision time for Miami Dolphins — again

After this disappointing and trouble-filled year is over, there will be wonderful opportunities waiting for the Dolphins if only they can, after nearly a decade of failing, finally string together two or three good decisions.