MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — After the Dolphins’ disappointing performance against the Houston Texans, Coach Mike McDaniel expressed relief that the team displayed no blame-shifting among players. However, he acknowledged that the offense’s struggles represented one of their most challenging outings of the season, particularly at a time when every win counts for their playoff aspirations.
“This game did not meet the standard we expect from ourselves, regardless of the personnel on the field,” McDaniel stated on Monday. “The team recognizes after our meetings today that we need to improve to align with what Miami Dolphins football is all about.”
During this crucial loss, Miami’s offense faltered significantly, turning the ball over four times, which was critical for their playoff chances. With this defeat, their record against current playoff teams dropped to 1-4 this season, having previously lost to Green Bay and Buffalo twice. Earlier in the season, the Dolphins managed a victory against the Rams, who are currently tied for the NFC West lead.
This trend mirrors last year’s struggles when the Dolphins finished with 11 wins but only managed to defeat a single opponent that entered their matchup with a winning record. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler remarked that since the Dolphins found themselves in a 2-6 predicament, the team has been operating in a “playoff mode.” After digging themselves out with a 4-2 record since Week 10, Miami now finds their playoff outlook more precarious.
Despite some successes, the Dolphins have not performed well in their recent losses. They were outmatched on both sides of the ball during their Thanksgiving matchup against Green Bay, only managing a mere 39 rushing yards while allowing 114 yards on the ground. A total of missed tackles on defense and a third-down conversion rate of merely 4 of 14 compounded their woes.
Against the Texans, a trick play yielded a 35-yard gain, and Miami was limited to a total of 224 yards. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced relentless pressure from Houston’s defensive line and achieved only his second-lowest passer rating of the season at 60. Compounding issues, he played behind an offensive line that saw three starting tackles sidelined, resulting in three sacks and significant disruption.
Tagovailoa endured a strip-sack and threw three interceptions that gifted Houston 10 points, including a crucial pick on a last-ditch drive to tie the game. “I need to hold onto the ball and raise my performance for the team,” Tagovailoa remarked. “It’s disappointing, especially when the team relies on me to lead them down the field, and I didn’t do that. Winning in this league requires better execution from me.”
On the defensive side, Miami’s unit managed to limit quarterback C.J. Stroud to 131 passing yards after conceding over 400 yards to Aaron Rodgers and the Jets. Additionally, they contained Houston’s running game led by Joe Mixon to just 77 yards.
However, the rushing offense, previously ranked 11th with 128.7 yards per game in the first half of the season, has not surpassed 100 yards in six consecutive games. Their outputs have dwindled to an average of just 3.9 yards per rush due to struggles in run blocking and injuries along the offensive line.
On a positive note, defensive tackle Zach Sieler has been shining, with his sack of Stroud marking his 17th since last season, putting him second among interior defensive linemen in that timeframe. Over the past two games, he has tallied 3.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, and five quarterback hits.
Conversely, the connection between Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill has faced significant challenges this season, and Sunday was no exception. Hill caught only two of seven targets for 36 yards, while all three of Tagovailoa’s interceptions were directed towards him, hinting at miscommunication on routes. “I expected Tyreek to cross in front of the defender,” Tagovailoa explained regarding one of his errors, while also taking responsibility for the misplay.
Injury updates indicate that receiver Grant DuBose is hospitalized but responsive, showing movement in his extremities after sustaining a head injury. Meanwhile, WR Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a knee issue but won’t require surgery, although his availability for the upcoming week is still uncertain.
A crucial statistic from the game was the Dolphins’ total yards per play, which stood at a mere 3.6. Looking ahead, the Dolphins will host San Francisco (6-8) in their home finale this Sunday.
