JUST NOW: Devastation as Dolphins’ dire situation goes beyond an injury crisis
The Miami Dolphins are facing a quarterback issue right now, with both starter Tua Tagovailoa and backup Skylar Thompson sidelined by injuries. However, a bigger problem lies with head coach Mike McDaniel and the roster constructed under his leadership. These issues deserve far more attention than they are currently receiving, and it raises serious questions about whether McDaniel is truly the long-term solution in Miami.
While no one expects a team to perform at the same level with second- or third-string quarterbacks, most teams can remain competitive. But without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have been unable to maintain any semblance of competitiveness, a pattern that has been consistent under McDaniel’s leadership.
Other NFL teams, such as Minnesota with Sam Darnold, Green Bay with Malik Willis, and Pittsburgh with Justin Fields, have found ways to adjust their offenses to fit their backup quarterbacks’ strengths. These teams design game plans around their backups and have managed to win games. Yet, McDaniel has struggled to do the same, going just 1-6 when Tagovailoa is unavailable, including playoffs.
The inability to adapt the game plan to suit backup quarterbacks reflects poorly on both McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier. The roster they’ve built has significant flaws—particularly a weak defense and a struggling offensive line. During Monday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans, the Dolphins’ offensive line was consistently overpowered, unable to push forward on short-yardage plays, despite their persistence in running ineffective outside zone runs.
Given McDaniel’s reputation as an offensive mastermind, the Dolphins’ struggles are glaring. Even with weapons like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane, the offense has gone nearly 10 consecutive quarters without a touchdown and has managed just 25 points in two-and-a-half weeks.
The reality is stark for McDaniel. Monday marked his 38th regular-season game as the Dolphins’ head coach, and the team’s 21-17 record under his leadership is only marginally better than his predecessor Brian Flores, who went 22-16 in his last 38 games with a less talented roster. The Dolphins need more from McDaniel, particularly in terms of offensive creativity and adaptability.