Dolphins in Crisis: McDaniel Focused, Tua Underperforming and Changes

Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel expressed that he is not worried about his position, despite his team’s 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns, which left the Dolphins with a 1-6 record.

After the game at Huntington Bank Stadium, where the Dolphins suffered their worst start since 2021, McDaniel, visibly disappointed, clung to the podium and answered questions about his job situation.

The way I see this job is that it seems very offensive to all parties involved if I’m thinking about keeping the job. I need to be doing my job. Therefore, as long as I coach for the Miami Dolphins and this organization, they will get everything from me. And I refuse to spend my time thinking about [my job security]… You have a job, you do your job, and you do it the best you can.

Mike McDaniel

McDaniel noted that the players’ frustration with the season manifested against the Browns, which further complicated the situation.In the defeat, Miami accumulated 11 penalties for 103 yards, both record figures since McDaniel was hired in 2022. In addition, the team lost the ball four times, including three interceptions by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a fumble by returner Dee Eskridge.

I think we [did] everything to lose the game. I think you saw a lot of players frustrated by the season allowing this to affect our game and prevent us from executing… a game like this, I think we didn’t expect it in terms of preparation, but absolutely, with 100% certainty, everything has to be evaluated.

Mike McDaniel

McDaniel hinted at possible personnel changes for the Week 8 visit to Atlanta.

There are many players who will have an important work week. I mean, if you are negatively affecting the football team on a regular basis, I have no choice but to evaluate another player, and I also have to coach much better. So we’re going to find out who we are and what we’re made of.

Mike McDaniel

McDaniel mentioned that, although there were “multiple factors” in Tagovailoa’s three interceptions, two of them were “extremely avoidable.” Although he didn’t suggest a quarterback change, Tagovailoa was replaced in the final quarter by rookie Quinn Ewers, who was promoted to backup over Zach Wilson this week.However, he stated that Miami will explore all options, even if that means modifying its playing style.

We’ll watch the tape and change our style of play if necessary, everything is on the table. When you go to a game knowing you have the ability to win and you’re given a very, very humiliating defeat, there are no buts. The players must be professionals and the players must step up. And every person on our team, if you say: ‘It’s not me’, it’s you.

Mike McDaniel

Tagovailoa finished with 12 of 23 completed passes, 100 yards, and three interceptions. His passer rating of 24.1 was the lowest of his career.The quarterback admitted that his performance has not been up to par this season.Before this season, 154 teams in the Super Bowl era started with a 1-6 record; only the Cincinnati Bengals in 1970 made the playoffs.Linebacker Bradley Chubb assured that the Miami locker room remains united and believes it is still possible to change the course of the season.

It’s going to be difficult. But you have to welcome difficulty into your life to be where you want to be. We’re going to do what it takes to get there and look in the mirror this week. Things have to change quickly, and so they will.

Bradley Chubb