Dolphins Struggle, Reject Moral Victories After 0-3 Start

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Miami Dolphins derive no joy from a defeat, regardless of the closeness of the contest.

Entering Thursday night’s face-off against the Buffalo Bills as 12½-point underdogs, the Dolphins battled the reigning AFC East champions for nearly four quarters, only to be undone by a pair of pivotal errors in a 31-21 setback.

“We don’t take solace in defeat,” quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stated postgame. “Undoubtedly, some elements can be salvaged, aligning with our offensive standards. … Losing is never welcomed, irrespective of individual perceptions of performance. This is a collective endeavor. We triumph as one, we falter as one.”

The Dolphins’ record dipped to 0-3 this season, extending their losing streak against Buffalo to seven games. The defeat shadowed a week filled with speculation regarding coach Mike McDaniel’s job security; however, for the majority of the game, Miami did not exhibit the demeanor of a team anticipating a coaching change.

Following a 52-yard opening kick return from Dee Eskridge, the Dolphins capitalized with a touchdown on their initial drive, a first for the season. Yet, Buffalo responded with 14 consecutive points. The Bills seemed poised to further extend their lead midway through the second quarter, but Matt Prater’s 39-yard field goal attempt went awry, allowing the Dolphins to equalize with a 16-play drive just before the halftime interval.

Miami leveled the score once more with 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and subsequently forced a punt on the Bills’ possession. However, defensive tackle Zach Sieler incurred a roughing the punter penalty, providing a pathway for the Bills’ decisive touchdown.

“I need to elevate my performance,” Sieler conceded after the game. “Indulging in such regrettable errors is unacceptable.”

Tagovailoa’s interception on the subsequent drive effectively cemented the outcome.

The Dolphins’ quarterback noted that the week’s preparation did not involve amplified pressure to vindicate themselves to external critics, but rather a collective ambition to “rectify matters for each other.”

He highlighted positive aspects from the game, including a 10-of-15 conversion rate on third down attempts and a season-best 130 rushing yards.

McDaniel emphasized that a loss remains a loss, and he expressed no pride in witnessing his team contend in a game that ended in defeat.

“Defeat never elicits pride. Our objective was victory,” he affirmed. “As the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, I reject the notion of embracing moral victories.”

Dolphins enthusiasts orchestrated a banner display above Hard Rock Stadium before the preceding week’s defeat against the New England Patriots, advocating for the dismissal of both McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier. McDaniel dismissed the gesture as impersonal, asserting that he was not preoccupied with concerns about his job security.

Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who secured his first touchdown of the season on Thursday, remarked that the Dolphins “achieved something that many deemed improbable” by maintaining a close contest in Buffalo. He conveyed his belief that the team is “progressing positively.”

He also commented on his head coach’s passionate disposition postgame, lauding his leadership and playcalling prowess.

“I hold Coach McDaniel in high regard. I have immense respect for him,” Hill expressed. “He granted me the opportunity to join Miami and contribute, a privilege I deeply appreciate. Observing his coaching approach and leadership today was inspiring. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming week.”

This marks the Dolphins’ inaugural 0-3 start to a season since 2019, culminating in a 5-11 record. Among the 117 NFL teams since 2000 that initiated a season with an 0-3 record, only the Houston Texans in 2018 secured a playoff berth.

Miami’s focus remains on the present as they gear up for their Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Hill asserted that the Dolphins are not prepared to concede defeat this season.

“The pivotal question is: how do you wish to be remembered?” he posed. “Will you be the 0-3 team that relinquished all hope, or will you be the team that defied the odds, turning the tide after an 0-3 start heading into the fourth game?

“We possess exceptional captains and leaders who consistently uphold high standards during practice and within the locker room. We are cultivating something special.”