-
Marcel Louis-Jacques
CLEVELAND — Following Sunday’s 31-6 defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel stated that concerns regarding his employment status are not at the forefront of his mind, despite his team’s record now standing at 1-6.
A noticeably disheartened McDaniel held firmly to the podium as he addressed the media postgame from Huntington Bank Stadium, acknowledging the Dolphins’ continuation of their most challenging opening to a season since 2021. When questioned on whether he was experiencing increased worry about his position, McDaniel reiterated that fixating on such matters would be a disservice to the other individuals within the organization.
“I believe that focusing on whether or not I retain my role is, in a way, disrespectful to everyone involved – I must concentrate on fulfilling my responsibilities,” he commented. “Therefore, for the duration of my tenure as coach for the Miami Dolphins and this organization, I will dedicate my full effort. I refuse to divert my attention to [my job security] … You are assigned a role, you perform that role, and you execute it to the best of your capabilities.
“My primary concern lies there. Dwelling on my own situation would be disrespectful to the coaches, players, and the entire organization.”
McDaniel observed that the cumulative frustrations of the players throughout the season became apparent during the game against the Browns, leading to a cascade of negative consequences.
Miami incurred 11 penalties for a total of 103 yards in the defeat, marking the highest numbers in both categories since McDaniel’s appointment in 2022. The team also committed four turnovers, encompassing three interceptions by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a fumble by kick returner Dee Eskridge.
“I believe [we] took every action to ensure our own defeat,” McDaniel remarked. “I observed that the accumulated frustrations of the season infiltrated our gameplay, hindering our ability to execute… In a game of this nature, which was unexpected in terms of our preparation, a comprehensive evaluation is absolutely essential.
“No individual, whether player or coach, is without fault, and we must return to work and — starting with myself — strive to perform at a higher standard.”
McDaniel alluded to potential adjustments in personnel in the upcoming week, preceding a Week 8 matchup in Atlanta.
“Several players will face a crucial week of preparation,” he stated. “In cases where a player consistently has a negative impact on the team, I am compelled to consider alternative personnel. Furthermore, I must enhance my coaching approach. We will ascertain the true character and composition of our team.”
McDaniel indicated that while “multiple factors” contributed to Tagovailoa’s three interceptions, two were deemed “extremely preventable.” However, he did not suggest a change at the quarterback position, even after Tagovailoa was replaced in the fourth quarter by rookie Quinn Ewers, who was elevated to the backup role over Zach Wilson during the week.
Nevertheless, he affirmed that Miami would explore all avenues moving forward, which might entail altering their style of play.
“We will review the game footage and, if necessary, modify our approach to the game — all possibilities are under consideration,” McDaniel stated. “When entering a game with the firm belief in your capability to win, and subsequently suffering a significant and humbling loss, there are no justifications or excuses. Each individual must conduct themselves as professionals and rise to the occasion. If any member of our team claims, ‘It’s not my responsibility,’ then it is.”
Tagovailoa completed 12 of 23 pass attempts for 100 yards and three interceptions. His passer rating of 24.1 was the lowest in his career.
He acknowledged that the Dolphins’ offensive performance on Sunday was below par, citing instances of players lining up incorrectly from the huddle, which disrupted the pre-snap process and, ultimately, the execution of plays.
Tagovailoa is currently tied for the league lead with 10 interceptions and is on track to throw a career-high 24 interceptions this season. Sunday’s game marked the third occasion this season in which he threw multiple interceptions, a feat he had only accomplished twice in 2024.
The sixth-year quarterback, who signed a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension in the summer of 2024, conceded that his performance this season has not met the required standard.
“I am certainly not pleased or proud of my current level of play and the manner in which I have approached things this year,” he stated. “I recognize that I must perform at a higher level, and I have demonstrated better performances for the Miami Dolphins in previous years — but those are in the past. We are in the present, correct? [I am] attempting to navigate the situation and build a group of players to bring along with me, and I must be capable of multitasking, if that makes sense. I need to achieve that while also returning to the level of performance I achieved last year and in prior years.”
Prior to this season, 154 teams in the Super Bowl era had started with a 1-6 record; only the Cincinnati Bengals in 1970 managed to qualify for the playoffs.
Linebacker Bradley Chubb asserted that the Miami locker room remains unified and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to salvage the season.
“It will be a challenge,” he acknowledged. “However, embracing hardship is necessary to achieve your goals. We will take the necessary steps to achieve those goals and conduct thorough self-assessments this upcoming week. Changes must be implemented rapidly — and they will be.”
