From a tangible standpoint,  what you mentioned is the case.

 

I'm looking at the situation more from the Dolphins no longer had the people in place at the most important positions in the football component of their organization.   The Dolphins never got to the point that they looked like they could go deep in the playoffs.  Eventually,  their overall roster declined and the losses became more frequent.   To the point that they went 4-12 in 2004 and have only had one playoff team since then.  

 

While it's possible Ryan Tannehill will prove to be the long term solution at QB for the Dolphins,  the position has been problematic for them since Dan Marino retired.    Since the OT playoff win you mentioned in the 2000 season,  the season after Marino retired,  the Dolphins haven't won a playoff game.  

 

Don't forget one year they swept the Patriots to win the division with an 11-5 record. Their loss in the playoffs can be explained in two words: Baltimore Ravens.

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Don't forget one year they swept the Patriots to win the division with an 11-5 record. Their loss in the playoffs can be explained in two words: Baltimore Ravens.

 

 

I recall that playoff game.   The Dolphins were clearly overmatched that day.   That's the last playoff game they were in and it was also the last time the Patriots didn't win the AFC East.

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