Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has called quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s post-game comments on Sunday “wrong”, stating that the post-game press conference was not the appropriate place to express his concerns. After Miami’s 29-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Tagovailoa was asked how the players would avoid feeling sorry for themselves. The quarterback responded that the solution began with the team’s leadership, also revealing that some teammates were late to exclusive player meetings.
McDaniel added that Tagovailoa has communicated directly with his teammates since Sunday night and that he will “learn” from the experience. The Dolphins’ offensive linemen, Aaron Brewer and Patrick Paul, declined to comment on what Tagovailoa said, adding that team matters should remain “internal”. McDaniel noted that Tagovailoa’s comments referred only to exclusive player meetings. Although tardiness and attendance at mandatory team meetings were a problem in previous seasons, McDaniel said that has not been the case this year. He added that he doesn’t believe this will become a bigger problem; with a 1-5 record, the Dolphins’ focus should remain on their game on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.I think, regardless of the intention and what Tua had in mind after a defeat, as the franchise quarterback, that’s not the forum to express that. I think he knows that. Now, I honestly believe there was no ill intent, but we’re talking about, I think, a misrepresentation of the video sessions orchestrated by the players.
Mike McDaniel
McDaniel also emphasized that the team is very motivated to solve their problems and find a way to win.I have a lot of things to worry about and one of them is not those comments and where our team is after that. We just had meetings about the Chargers game itself, the actual successes and failures that led to the final result, and that’s where people’s focus should be.
Mike McDaniel
