Tua Tagovailoa expressed frustration toward Dolphins fans, highlighting the challenges of playing quarterback. Meanwhile, head coach Mike McDaniel’s comments seemed to cast a shadow over the team’s outlook. Following a loss to the Cardinals, Miami now sits at 2-5 and faces slim playoff hopes, even with Tagovailoa returning from injury.
The Dolphins narrowly lost 28-27, with Tagovailoa completing 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown, though his efforts fell short. Offensively, Miami has struggled all season, ranking 22nd in total offense and last in scoring at 13.9 points per game. Despite dealing with numerous injuries, the team’s overall performance has been disappointing.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa needs to hit high gear quickly
Tua Tagovailoa acknowledged that despite their close loss to the Cardinals, the Dolphins’ offense found some positive takeaways. He emphasized that the team can build on certain plays and possessions to keep drives alive and put points on the board, even if it’s just field goals. However, the challenge lies in balancing this growth with the urgent need for wins; starting a rebuilding process at Week 9 is far from ideal. With a 2-5 record, the Dolphins may have to win 8 of their final 10 games to keep playoff hopes alive.
The remaining schedule presents tough obstacles, with road games against Buffalo, Green Bay, and Houston, as well as a home game against the 49ers. A sweep against the improved Jets may also be unlikely, which could leave Miami at 8-9—typically not a playoff record. Tagovailoa himself doubts they can suddenly transform into a 30-points-per-game offense, adding to the uphill battle.
Tagovailoa reminded his teammates not to overreach, stressing the importance of each player sticking to his role: “I can’t go play defense, Jalen Ramsey can’t come play offense. We have to stay together, stay focused, and keep communicating.” The Dolphins can draw inspiration from their 2021 season, where a similar 8-1 run brought them success. According to Tua, focusing on individual responsibilities and trusting teammates was key back then.
Injuries also pose a serious risk for Tagovailoa, especially with concerns about concussions. Despite the danger, Tua expressed his determination to play without fear, saying, “If you’re thinking about that, it’s time to quit. I’m here to enjoy every moment.”
Head coach Mike McDaniel echoed the need to avoid getting too far ahead in expectations, as focusing on one game at a time reduces errors and distractions. He’s seen both successful and disappointing seasons before, stressing that teams that find ways to improve amidst external noise are the ones who succeed by season’s end.
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