MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards for the 2023 season, demonstrating sharp skills for much of the year. However, during a recent press conference, Tagovailoa accepted part of the responsibility for the Dolphins’ unexpected 5-7 record, indicating that his month-long absence due to a concussion had a significant impact on their season’s progression.
“I don’t believe that record truly reflects our team’s character,” Tagovailoa stated. “It doesn’t showcase the effort we’ve collectively dedicated throughout the offseason.” He openly acknowledged his role in the team’s struggles: “While no one else may voice this, I feel deeply that I’ve contributed to our situation, especially after my injury in that second game and essentially leaving my teammates in a tough spot.” Tagovailoa expressed a desire to avoid putting himself or his team in that position again.
The Dolphins briefly recaptured last season’s performance during a recent three-game winning streak. However, doubts about their resilience resurfaced following a disappointing outing at a freezing Lambeau Field last Thursday, with kickoff temperatures around 27 degrees. Statistics indicate that the team missed 20 tackles and allowed 114 rushing yards while mustering just 39 yards on the ground. Tagovailoa was sacked five times in that contest.
Historically, Miami has struggled in colder conditions, having lost their last 12 regular-season or playoff games when temperatures dropped to 40 degrees or lower. The upcoming schedule includes more games in colder climates in Houston, Cleveland, and against the New York Jets. The Dolphins have also recorded a 4-10 record in December or later over the last two years.
Tagovailoa emphasized the importance of a united mindset for the Dolphins, stating, “It’s vital that we all share the same determination. That’s what team sports are about. You need both mental and physical toughness, and if either starts to falter, it can shift the dynamics.”
Former Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott recently described the team as “soft,” which was echoed by linebacker Jordyn Brooks following the defeat in Green Bay. Brooks remarked after the 30-17 loss, “I felt like we allowed the weather to dictate our performance. As a unit, we came across as soft. Plain and simple.”
Head Coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged that critical evaluations are part of the game when teams fall short of expectations. He noted that he relies on game film to assess player toughness: “I can coach on instances of weak-mindedness or if a player is disengaged due to outcomes. But what I saw on tape does not suggest a lack of effort; rather, there were numerous missed tackles due to poor technique, which only intensified as the game progressed.”
McDaniel further clarified that if players felt a teammate was underperforming or taking plays off, they would speak up, and he indicated that did not happen. “I’m acutely conscious of the existing narrative,” he added, “and I can say with certainty that it will persist unless we change it. The way to alter it is by securing a victory against the New York Jets.” He underscored the significance of accountability as a head coach, focusing on constructive approaches rather than assigning blame.
Some Dolphins players pushed back against the perception that they lack toughness. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler remarked, “We need to prove that narrative wrong. If that’s what people think, we have to demonstrate otherwise. From my perspective, we play aggressively both in the trenches and overall. We must ensure we exhibit that on game day.”
In other news, the Dolphins have placed backup cornerback Cam Smith on injured reserve after sustaining a shoulder dislocation against Green Bay. They have also brought tackle Jackson Carman from the practice squad and added cornerback Jason Maitre to the practice squad. Furthermore, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Cameron Goode practiced for the first time this season on Wednesday, with McDaniel leaving the door open for one or both to play this Sunday. Chubb has been recovering from a torn ACL, while Goode is returning from a ruptured patella tendon.
