MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — As the Miami Dolphins prepare for their regular-season finale, several uncertainties loom, particularly concerning the status of their starting quarterback. Coach Mike McDaniel indicated that the team finds itself in a “gray area” regarding Tua Tagovailoa, who missed Sunday’s victory against Cleveland due to a hip injury. McDaniel noted that Tagovailoa’s condition did not improve as anticipated after he sustained the injury in Week 15 against Houston, and he remains uncertain about the quarterback’s availability for the remainder of the season.
“Where does that leave us? Firmly in the unknown,” McDaniel stated on Monday. He emphasized that allowing Tagovailoa to play against Cleveland would not have been safe. “It was not safe at all, based on a litany of things that made his body vulnerable, along with his struggles to navigate the pocket effectively… leaving him quite unprotected against impacts,” he added.
One thing is clear: If the Dolphins secure a victory against the New York Jets on Sunday and the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Denver Broncos, Miami will earn a playoff spot after a rocky start of 2-6 to their season. However, it is crucial that the Chiefs win, which may occur without starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and several other key players, as they are expected to rest. Regardless, McDaniel stressed that the team’s primary focus is on their upcoming match against the Jets.
“It’s a very clear message to the team that we’ve been afforded the opportunity to execute upon,” he remarked. “When you dig a hole early in the season, you realize that focusing on help is counterproductive; the priority is taking care of business ourselves.”
Tyler “Snoop” Huntley will receive a greater share of practice reps than Tagovailoa this week, and McDaniel is preparing game plans for both scenarios. Huntley’s performance against Cleveland bolstered McDaniel’s confidence in his ability to lead the team. In what was Huntley’s fourth start of the season, he completed 22 of 26 passes for 225 yards, along with one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown, marking his best game with Miami since joining the team when Tagovailoa was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion earlier in the season.
“I do feel good,” Huntley expressed after the game. “I actually feel more comfortable with these plays now. A couple of weeks in the office definitely makes a difference.”
On the defensive side, Miami’s unit excelled, managing to keep Cleveland from scoring a touchdown for the second time this season and forcing two turnovers. Tyrel Dodson stepped up in place of injured linebacker Anthony Walker Jr., making an interception off Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the second quarter. Da’Shawn Hand also contributed by recovering a strip-sack fumble in the third. Additionally, Miami’s defense successfully denied Cleveland on all four fourth down attempts.
However, for the Dolphins to replicate their recent success against stronger opponents than Cleveland, they must address their issue with penalties. The Dolphins struggled throughout the season with infractions, being flagged 11 times during the game, with five penalties accepted against their offense.
In terms of player performances, Huntley has seen his stock rise. He became the first Miami player since Jay Fiedler in 2003 to achieve both a passing and rushing touchdown while throwing for over 225 yards and completing 80% of his passes without an interception. His teammates noticed his growth and comfort on the field.
“Today’s game showed he can throw the ball on time, read defenses, and make plays with his feet,” said Tyreek Hill. “His ability to lead and motivate the offense during halftime shows his growth since joining us.”
Conversely, the running backs faced challenges, as De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson combined for only 74 rushing yards at a rate of 2.7 yards per carry. Huntley emerged as the leading rusher with 52 yards on seven attempts.
Injury concerns continue to mount for the Dolphins, as left tackle Terron Armstead appeared to aggravate his knee injury, which has troubled him throughout the season, and he was unable to play past the second quarter. McDaniel mentioned that Armstead would be evaluated for the upcoming game, but preparations are being made for rookie Patrick Paul to take his place. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who sat out due to a knee issue, is optimistic about his chances for this week’s game, though McDaniel indicated caution regarding any potential aggravation.
One notable statistic following Sunday’s game is that the Dolphins have reached a record of 8-8, marking their first time at .500 or better since they started the season 1-1.
Looking ahead, the Dolphins aim to complete a season sweep over the Jets when they face off in New York on Sunday, keeping a close watch on the Chiefs as they play in Denver at the same time.
