With Cam Ward leaving for the NFL Draft, the Miami Hurricanes looked to the transfer portal to fill a massive void at quarterback. Ward’s departure comes after a record-breaking season that saw him elevate Miami to a 10-2 regular-season record. Despite the accolades, the Hurricanes fell short of their ultimate goals, missing the ACC championship game, missing out on the expanded College Football Playoff and losing their bowl game. With Cam Ward leaving for the NFL former Georgia Bulldog Carson Beck to takes center stage as Miami’s leader in 2025.
Cam Ward’s Legacy at Miami
Ward’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic. In just one year, he rewrote the Hurricanes’ record books, completing 305 of 454 passes (67.2%) for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions. “Cam has been an exceptional and elite Miami hurricane as a competitor, as a player, as a teammate. He’s elevated the profile, the exposure of the University of Miami. He is leading a legacy that’s going to be impactful for generations to come. I mean, he’s the best. He’s the best I’ve been around, and I look forward to watching him lead an NFL franchise to championships and watching him play on Sundays. And certainly, you know that’s about that’s about it.” said Miami head coach Mario Cristobal.
Ward’s single-season marks for completions, passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdowns will be tough to match. However, his sudden departure during the team’s bowl game left a sour taste for the fans, creating a narrative of unfinished business for the Hurricanes heading into 2025.
Carson Beck’s Journey to Miami
Georgia Bulldogs (2020–2024)
Beck began his college career at the University of Georgia, where he steadily rose from a backup role to a prominent starter.
Early Years (2020–2022): After redshirting in 2020, Beck saw limited action in 2021, completing 10 of 23 passes for 176 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. In 2022, he served as Georgia’s second-string quarterback, finishing the season with 310 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception.
Starting Quarterback (2023–2024): Beck took over as Georgia’s starter in 2023, leading the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record. He threw for 3,941 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The following year, he entered the season as a Heisman candidate but fell short of expectations, throwing for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions as Georgia finished 11-3. Beck was injured in the SEC championship victory causing him to miss the second half and ultimately the college football playoff. Beck’s college totals include a 68% completion rate, 7,912 passing yards, 58 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
Transfer to Miami (2025)
In January 2025, Beck entered the transfer portal and committed to Miami. His decision was influenced by multiple factors, including an elbow injury that required surgery and a desire to maximize his final year of college eligibility. His decision may have also been influenced by personal factors, such as his relationship with Miami women’s basketball player Hanna Cavinder.
NIL Agreement: A Game-Changer
Beck’s transfer to Miami includes a lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal reportedly worth up to $4 million for the 2025 season. The agreement places him among the highest earners in college football and reflects the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.
Can Beck Fill the Void Left by Ward?
Beck’s potential is undeniable, but the question remains whether he can elevate Miami to greater heights. Despite a “down year” in 2024, Beck was still among the top five quarterbacks in the SEC for passing yards and touchdowns. Miami’s 2025 schedule presents opportunities for success, with key matchups against Notre Dame in Week 1 and Florida in Week 4.
“I mean, systematically, we’re where we want to be offensively.” Cristobal on Beck and the future of Miami football.
Beck is a solid quarterback built upon his accuracy and football IQ. His game has evolved over time and his experience in big games will be crucial to the Hurricanes program. His experience and leadership will be felt amongst the whole program elevating them to the next level. The Hurricanes will rely on Beck’s experience, a strong supporting cast, and an advantageous schedule to build on their 2024 successes. If Beck comes back from injury as anything close to the player, he has shown to be this will be a great fit in Miami.
A New Era for Miami Football
Carson Beck’s arrival in Coral Gables marks a new chapter for the Hurricanes. While Ward’s records and departure loom large, the program is optimistic that Beck can lead them back to championship contention. With a fresh start and high expectations, the stage is set for Miami to write the next chapter of its storied history.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/CB.jpg234409Austin Dobbinshttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgAustin Dobbins2025-01-16 21:24:162025-01-16 21:24:16Will Carson Beck Fill the Void Left by Cam Ward?
The Miami Dolphins’ latest season, reeking of failure, had just been jettisoned onto the franchise’s towering trash heap of hopes gone awry.
Team owner Steve Ross, wasting no time in celebrating dubious achievements, declared late Sunday that, of course, coach Mike McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier would return in 2025 to continue their impressive stewardship.
Because, well, in the owner’s words, “Their positive working relationship is an asset to the Dolphins, and I believe in the value of stability.”
This in the wake of a humiliating 32-20 thumping in the season finale by a Jets team that came in 4-12 with nothing to play for but pride for an interim coach and a future hall-of-fame quarterback who might be retiring.
Dolphins franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t even playing for the sixth time this season because, well, you know, concussions, bum hip … it’s always something like that.
Dolphins owner pledges allegiance to coach, GM
Tua has now missed 20 games due to injury in five NFL seasons. But he was deemed worthy of a $212 million contract including $167 million guaranteed by masterminds Grier and McDaniel with Ross’ blessing.
Ross went on to say in his statement, “We will take a hard look at where we have fallen short and make the necessary changes to deliver our ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships.”
It’s been six years since Ross ordered a rebuild of the roster with that objective. What do they have to show for it?
Bupkis, really.
They did string together four seasons with a winning record before regressing to 8-9 in 2024. But still no playoff wins, now for 24 seasons.
How do you go 24 seasons without winning even one playoff game in a league rigged for parity?
The Dolphins always find a way — usually in embarrassing fashion.
The result in Sunday’s season finale was rendered moot by the Denver Broncos clinching the final AFC wild card with a 38-0 rollover of the Kansas City Chiefs, who rested everyone. But imagine if the Chiefs were still playing for the top seed and put the mediocre Broncos in their place like they easily could have if they actually cared to show up.
The Dolphins had everything to play for at the start of the day, yet looked like a team tanking for better draft position — which they actually achieved, moving up to No. 13 after the defeat.
By opponent combined winning percentage, the Dolphins ended up playing the easiest schedule in the NFL in 2024. Their opponents have a .419 winning percentage. Second-easiest was Washington at .436.
But with everything on the line in the first quarter and a first down at the Jets’ 3 with a chance to take a 10-0 lead, three plays netted minus-5 yards. Running back De’Von Achane got thrown for a 5-yard loss on a run off guard on first down.
It was emblematic of a Dolphins rushing attack that struggled all season in short-yardage situations. Yet, Grier gloated early in the season about media criticism of the offensive line, which was thin at guard after stud Robert Hunt left in free agency.
“It’s just one of those that Mike and I always kind of chuckle,” Grier said.
As it turned out, it was no laughing matter. This line couldn’t move a Volkswagen off a train track before getting flattened by a slow freight train.
Tyreek Hill hints at wanting to leave Dolphins
Opponent after opponent won the battle in the trenches. Too many runs were thrown for losses, and pass protection was inadequate to get receivers open down field.
As the season progressed, McDaniel’s once high-scoring offense was mostly reduced to tossing screens to backs and receivers.
Did the Dolphins hire a play caller in 2022 or did they hire a head coach?
If Mike McDaniel himself doesn’t see his own value as a head coach absent play calling duties, then he should just be dismissed.
The season ended with five-time All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill apparently removing himself from the game in the fourth quarter and afterward indicating he may be done with the Dolphins, saying, “I’m out, bro.”
Isn’t that the fitting bookend to a season that began with Hill in handcuffs before the opener after a traffic incident near Hard Rock Stadium?
McDaniel is 28-23 in three seasons with two playoff appearances (both losses). His resume is loaded with wins over lesser teams, but 3-13 against teams over .500.
But frustration for a beleaguered Dolphins fan base goes back decades. It’s been 40 years since the last Super Bowl appearance in Dan Marino’s second season.
About all they have to cling to since then is an entertaining reel of Marino highlights. More entertaining than watching the present product.
Not sure how Dolphins fans have the stomach for this every year.
Tagovailoa’s lack of durability holds Dolphins back
Ross’ “ultimate goal of building and sustaining a winning team that competes for championships” remains elusive.
They botched the rebuild and are now invested heavily in a franchise quarterback who can’t stay on the field.
The Dolphins haven’t closed the gap on the Buffalo Bills, in large part because they don’t have a quarterback like Josh Allen. There isn’t anyone quite like Allen, who has played through injuries to put together a streak of 105 consecutive starts and does things that Tagovailoa can’t.
Now Tua’s lack of durability has taken a new twist with an injury to the same surgically repaired hip that ended his collegiate career.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Tagovailoa has a “unique hip injury which is affecting the surrounding muscles and therefore his strength and mobility, along with leaving him vulnerable to further injury.”
Missing the playoffs removed that as an immediate concern. But Tagovailoa’s durability issues are not going away.
The Dolphins go into the offseason with a long list of issues to address with the roster and little room under the salary cap.
Dolphins have much to address in offseason
Grier did make a good signing last offseason in tight end Jonnu Smith, an apparent winning first-round pick in pass rusher Chop Robinson and a quality in-season pickup of linebacker Tyrel Dodson.
But he’s missed way too often in six years of calling the shots for the franchise. Exhibit A: Still no playoff wins and a sizable gulf to teams that actually sustain winning and compete for championships.
But, hey, they’ll forge ahead with Grier and McDaniel who still have the full confidence of the owner.
Give the Grier/McDaniel regime credit, they’ve maintained the Dolphins’ stable course of mediocrity. It’s the one thing that can be counted on with this franchise.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for more than four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/tyreek-hill-frustrated.jpg11521800Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2025-01-06 11:53:482025-01-06 11:54:19Pressure Point: Miami Dolphins under Steve Ross never fail to disappoint
No Tua Tagovailoa with Dolphins’ playoff hopes on the line?
No problem with Tyler Huntley showing what he can do with enough time under his belt to learn Mike McDaniel’s offense.
The South Florida native threw for 225 yards and a touchdown, and ran for 52 yards including a 13-yard touchdown Sunday in a must-have 20-3 win at Cleveland to keep the Dolphins in the playoff hunt with a week to go in the season.
The topic of the coming week will be about the severity of Tagovailoa’s hip injury and whether he will be able to play on Sunday (4:25 p.m.) against the Jets and/or in the playoffs, if the Dolphins get there.
The injury is to the same hip that was surgically repaired in his final collegiate season at Alabama, though reportedly in a different spot.
He injured it two weeks ago in a loss at Houston and aggravated the problem in last week’s win against the 49ers. He was listed as questionable this past week before being downgraded to doubtful on Saturday and then ruled out before the game at Cleveland.
McDaniel’s remarks following the game about Tagovailoa’s injury did not sound encouraging: “Ultimately, he absolutely wanted to play. Wasn’t a pain tolerance thing. He not only was super susceptible to a much more significant injury, but a major factor was the lack of strength due to the injury and his inability to protect himself … From a medical perspective, it was not an option for him to play.”
Huntley stepped in and delivered a standout performance as a stand-in that was lacking early in the season when Tua missed four games due to a concussion.
The win over the now 3-13 Browns drew Miami back to .500 at 8-8 for the first time since a 2-6 start.
It means the Dolphins can grab the last AFC playoff spot with a win on the road against the 4-12 Jets and a loss by the Denver Broncos at home against Kansas City.
Working against the Dolphins is that the 15-1 Chiefs have sewn up home-field advantage through the playoffs and have no incentive to use quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other starters in the regular-season finale. They won’t be saying, “We’ve got to help the Dolphins.”
The way Huntley played Sunday builds confidence he can handle the assignment against the moribund Jets, if needed. He completed 22 of 26 passes with a passer rating of 115.5 and showed an added dimension of mobility that Tagovailoa lacks.
It was an altogether different showing than in three appearances in September and October after he was claimed off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad.
Broncos, Dolphins, and Bengals all still have a lot on the line after week 17. 👀 pic.twitter.com/VLEb0GHR27
Huntley was rushed into action almost immediately when Skylar Thompson was injured in his first start after Tua went down. Thrown to the wolves was more like it.
Trying to execute a complex offense after only a few days to study it is like being pulled off the street and expected to work as a translator at the United Nations.
“A couple weeks in the office definitely makes a difference,” Huntley said after the game.
The Dolphins said this past week that they want Huntley to return next season to compete for the backup job. What he showed Sunday should improve his bargaining position.
Huntley connected with star wide receiver Tyreek Hill on 9 of 9 targets for 105 yards. His 7-yard touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith in the fourth quarter sealed the win. It was Smith’s seventh touchdown reception of the season, tying a Dolphins record by a tight end.
Huntley also had a nifty 13-yard run along the sideline for a touchdown that pushed the Dolphins’ lead to 13-3.
Considering the hole they dug for themselves early in the season, it’s a wonder the Dolphins are still alive in the playoff chase.
Their chances have improved significantly over the past two weeks. They got every pregame break from outside sources they could have hoped for with the Broncos losing to the Bengals in OT on Saturday and the Colts stumbling against the lowly Giants in an early game Sunday.
That loss dealt the Colts out of the playoff picture. The Bengals remain alive at 8-8, but the Dolphins would win a tiebreaker over Cincinnati based on best win percentage in conference games.
Dolphins’ running game stymied again
Another break for the Dolphins came with unseasonable weather for Cleveland for late December. Temperature was in the 50s when the game began.
They also got to face a struggling Browns team down to its third quarterback with Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
This game was not as one-sided as the score suggests. It looked very much like two teams playing out the season.
The difference was the quarterback play. Thompson-Robinson, at this point in his career, is not a competent NFL quarterback.
The Browns were the stronger team at the line of scrimmage. They sacked Huntley four times and pressured him often. They recorded 12 tackles for loss.
Cleveland completely shut down the Miami running game. Huntley had 52 yards on seven runs out of the pocket. Other Dolphins ball carriers netted 22 yards on 20 attempts.
The Dolphins were 2 of 11 on third down. McDaniel showed no confidence in a straight-ahead run on fourth-and-one in the third quarter. Instead he called a pitchout to De’Von Achane, and he was tossed for a loss of 2.
Miami also committed 11 penalties for 94 yards.
In one embarrassing sequence in the first half, the Dolphins got an interception by Tyrel Dodson at midfield. They ended up punting from their own 26.
The retreat began with a personal foul on Dodson for removing his helmet on the field. A holding penalty on Terron Armstead, Miami’s best lineman, and a sack of Huntley led to a third-and-27.
Soon after, Armstead left with a knee injury and didn’t return. It could be the end for the five-time Pro Bowl left tackle in a Dolphins uniform.
"That's one guy that stays afterwards. We get done with walkthroughs and he's doing JUGS." 🏈@MiamiDolphins QB Tyler Huntley praises Jonnu Smith's work ethic after the big W
There was a bizarre moment late in the third quarter when McDaniel threw the challenge flag twice in a span of three plays. He lost both bids to have calls overturned.
By any subjective assessment, the Dolphins did not play or behave like a playoff contender Sunday. They haven’t all season.
And yet, here they are, with a probability of making the playoffs now at 33.6 percent, according to ESPN — NFL.com has it at 31 percent.
“What I’ve seen is guys not blinking every time things don’t go any way they hoped,” McDaniel said in his postgame presser. “As a result, we’re staring at another playoff game against the Jets.”
And then what?
Their quarterback was deemed too injured to play in a must-win game Sunday. Can they even count on Tua in the week or weeks ahead?
It is such a classic Dolphins situation. Keep in mind that they had to start backup quarterbacks in two of their past three playoff appearances (2016 season vs. the Steelers, 2022 against the Bills).
They are like a race car running the final lap on fumes and overextended tires. Still rolling. Destination unknown.
At least they may have found a viable backup quarterback.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for more than four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
Despite all of their shortcomings and all of the ways they have disappointed this season, the Miami Dolphins are alive and kicking entering the final two weeks of the season.
Thank the kicking of Jason Sanders for providing most of the points they needed Sunday to dispatch the San Francisco 49ers, whose disappointing season ran out of hope prior to kickoff after results from early games sealed their fate.
Sanders, the special teams player of the month in November, continued to swing a hot foot, so to speak, with five field goals in five tries, including long-range strikes of 54 and 48 yards, in a 29-17 win at Hard Rock Stadium. He set a Dolphins record with 23 consecutive field goals made.
The Dolphins got an interception by Kader Kohou and a 50-yard touchdown run by De’Von Achane in the final two minutes to send their fans off with holiday cheer in the home finale.
Their own reward is two trips to cold climes for games they can’t afford to lose, an assignment Dolphins teams have made a habit of failing repeatedly at this time of year. This time they get to try to change that behavior against opponents that are a combined 7-23 — the 3-12 Browns at Cleveland and the 4-11 Jets at the Meadowlands.
They need to bag those two lame ducks and have some teams ahead of them in the playoff pecking order stumble to earn what would likely be another trip to some gawdforsaken frigid place like Buffalo or Kansas City.
Which happen to be the places their past two seasons, respectively, ended in one-and-done playoff demise.
In other words, the 7-8 Dolphins are treading in familiar perilous territory. It feels as if they are vying for a consolation prize that keeps coming to them like an unwanted grab-bag gift.
More of a curse than an accomplishment, in light of their history this century. Since their last playoff win in the 2000 season, the Dolphins have made the playoffs five times. They rapidly exited by a combined score of 137-62, only once keeping the final margin of defeat under double digits.
Still, the Dolphins go into the final two weeks with a chance for their third consecutive playoff appearance, which the franchise hasn’t achieved since a five-year postseason run from 1998-2001.
That would provide some consolation to an otherwise forgettable season, considering their 2-6 start and four-game injury absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Dolphins playoff probability at 8 percent
But snagging the final AFC wild card remains very much a long shot, Miami’s current playoff probability at 8 percent. That is the cost of a dreadful start to the season.
And here’s the kicker that even Jason Sanders can’t affect from long range: The Dolphins could be dealt out of the picture before they kick off Sunday, 4:05 p.m. at Cleveland.
Miami needs losses on Saturday by the Chargers (at New England) and Broncos (at Cincinnati), and for both to lose again in the final week.
In addition, the Colts must lose to at least one of two remaining weak sisters on their schedule — at the Giants (1 p.m., Sunday) or at home vs. the Jaguars.
The Dolphins’ win against the 49ers and coach Mike McDaniel’s former mentor Kyle Shanahan lacked the luster that would have been envisioned upon first glace at the schedule.
The 49ers who showed up Sunday with a 6-8 record were greatly diminished from the team that lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl in February, due to numerous injuries and all-around poor play.
Their performance Sunday, beset with mistakes and penalties, resembled some of the Dolphins’ frustrating efforts this season. They committed 11 penalties and missed a short field goal.
Still, the Niners were at midfield and driving toward a would-be winning touchdown until Calais Campbell got in Brock Purdy’s face and forced an errant pass that Kodou picked off.
This was the sort of game the Dolphins have made a habit of winning. They are now 24-9 against below-.500 opponents in McDaniel’s three seasons at the helm.
Their 3-13 mark against teams above .500 under McDaniel is the basis for ongoing exasperation within the fan base and uncertainty about the future of this Dolphins regime.
That has been elevated by going 0-5 in such games this season. (The now 9-6 Rams were 4-4 when the Dolphins beat them at LA for their best win of the season).
This win wouldn’t have maintained such suspense if Tyreek Hill, who caught one touchdown from Tagovailoa, hadn’t let two others slip through his hands in the end zone (one of them tipped at the last moment by a defender).
Afterward, Hill offered a curious observation about what has been an odd season for the eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, suggesting that perhaps he took too many veteran rest days from Wednesday practices.
“As a leader, in those moments, I feel like at the end of the day, I need those valuable reps with Tua. Those vet rest days are starting to show,” he said.
When told that Tyreek said he needed more practice time with Tua, Tua agreed. “That’s the secret sauce.” pic.twitter.com/bXNpr4t5Ug
This Dolphins season began with strange karma from Hill’s run-in with police while driving to the opener. He has been hampered by a wrist injury that may need surgery. Now running mate Jaylen Waddle is sidelined with a knee injury.
“It’s the NFL. It’s not easy,” Hill said. “I know in the past I’ve made it look easy, but this year it’s kind of tough, but it is what it is, man. I’m human. I’ll bounce back.”
🎥 Tyreek Hill on his career low numbers this season: "A lot of guys understand what I'm dealing with this year… I'm learning how to be patient. I'm learning how to be more mature about situations whenever they don't go my way." (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFinspic.twitter.com/oXjv6v8FSg
The Dolphins have bounced back with wins in five of their past seven games. They finished 5-3 at home.
They finally got their dormant rushing attack going with 166 yards (5.5 yards a carry), including 120 by Achane, against McDaniel’s former boss — Miami had been averaging 60 yards on the ground since midseason.
So now, as they say, it’s onward to Cleveland.
Wait, nobody says that. But that’s where this latest wayward Dolphins season stands, facing a cold day in Cleveland.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for more than four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/tyreek-podium.jpg547800Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2024-12-23 11:33:182024-12-23 13:48:05Pressure Point: Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes hang by a thread, future foggy
This is the time of year when the Miami Dolphins can always be counted on to sink to the occasion.
Their 20-12 defeat Sunday at Houston was as predictable as a holiday party hangover. Happens every year when they run into a legitimate playoff-caliber team with their season on the line, particularly on the road.
The question was, how would they screw the pooch this time against the AFC South-leading Texans?
If you had four turnovers by Tua Tagovailoa — the hottest quarterback in the league coming into the game — and a fake punt in your office pool, ding, ding, ding, you’re the winner of a Miami Dolphins Wait Until Next Year poster!
Tagovailoa had gone 184 passes without an interception before he threw one right to Texans rookie safety Calen Bullock on a pass intended for Tyreek Hill as the Dolphins were positioned to at least kick a field goal late in the first half.
Instead, the Texans banked a field goal on the last play of the half off the turnover. Earlier, a strip sack of Tua was turned into the first Houston touchdown.
So, that’s 10 points gifted to the home team right there.
Dolphins fall for fake punt
Add another seven points after the fake punt caught the Dolphins napping on the opening possession of the second half.
Running back Dare Ogunbowale took a direct snap and ran free along the sideline for 35 yards to the Miami 4. That set up C.J. Stroud’s second touchdown pass to Nico Collins.
Still, the game remained within reach until Tagovailoa was picked off twice in the fourth quarter by Derek Stingley Jr. on passes intended for Hill.
The Miami defense did a solid job, holding the Texans to 181 yards and 12 first downs. They sacked the mobile Stroud four times.
Mike McDaniel’s offense spit the bit as the biggest stars failed to deliver.
Tua finished 29 of 40 for 196 yards, one touchdown (leaping catch by Jonnu Smith), three interceptions and a 60.0 passer rating.
“Plain and simple, it’s just my fault,” Tagovailoa said in his postgame assessment. “Very disappointed with how I played today.”
Tyreek Hill no help in loss to Texans
Tagovailoa’s critics will cite it as another example of the quarterback failing to deliver in a big game. His highest-paid receiver must share the blame.
Hill had trouble getting open all day against the Texans’ aggressive secondary. He caught only two passes for 36 yards on seven targets.
On the final interception that snuffed away all hope, Hill had his hands on a slightly under-thrown pass, and Stingley wrestled it away from him.
— Tua’s back now wheres our defense ‘24 (@Eddiee_g31) December 15, 2024
Jaylen Waddle didn’t have a reception before leaving in the first half with a knee injury.
The running game was nonexistent: 2.7 yards a carry for 52 yards.
The offensive line, with subs at both tackles, got pushed back throughout the game. Jackson Carman was the Dolphins third to start at right tackle.
On the play that Tagovailoa fumbled on a sack by Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Carman and right guard Liam Eichenberg were overpowered by the pass rush.
“We don’t turn the ball over, they don’t get the big special teams play, it’s a different game,” Hill said.
Ah, yeah. Funny how those sort of misfortunes always happen to the Dolphins in these season-defining games.
When Jaylen Waddle hurt knee, #Texans shifted Derek Stingley Jr. to cover #Dolphins Tyreek Hill remainder of game. 'Adjustments when Waddle went out knowing Tyreek their most explosive guy. would be in our best interest to make sure our best cover guy was on their best receiver'
Can’t blame it on cold weather this time. They were playing inside a dome in climate-controlled conditions.
This really is the same old story, year after year, and it doesn’t have to do with weather.
It’s about not being good enough.
The Miami Dolphins organization hasn’t fielded a team capable of winning anything meaningful in decades. They will extend their drought without a playoff win since the 2000 season for at least another year.
Oh, apparently there is some formula under quantum physics or some form of higher mathematics by which 6-8 Miami could somehow sneak into the playoffs with wins against the 49ers, Browns and Jets. I don’t even want to know about it.
Because there has been one obvious truth about these Dolphins since Week 1: This is not a playoff team. Nor has their play at any point this season been worthy of that distinction.
Grant DuBose hospitalized after scary hit
This hope-crushing defeat took on a more somber tone with second-year receiver Grant DuBose hospitalized after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Bullock on a pass over the middle in the third quarter.
“I feel bad that I even put him in that situation to get hit,” Tagovailoa said after the game. “I heard some good news that he’s doing well and recovering. We all know I’ve gone through something very similar, and that’s no fun. I just think of what I could have done to not put Grant in that situation.”
Since missing four games with his latest concussion, Tagovailoa was impressive in leading the Dolphins into playoff contention after a 2-6 start. But with losses at Green Bay and Houston in the past three weeks, the question remains about what it will take to break out of the endless cycle of not good enough for Tua and the Dolphins.
It promises to be an offseason of serious reckoning. Changes could be profound.
Are they still sold on Tagovailoa?
Depends on whether owner Steve Ross sticks with the coach and front office.
McDaniel’s fancy offense regressed this season. The Dolphins aren’t strong enough in the trenches. GM Chris Grier’s drafts haven’t been productive enough, though rookie pass rusher Chop Robinson is developing into a gem from the 2024 crop.
Overall, the depth of talent on the roster is simply not good enough. Consequently, it is no surprise that losses like Sunday at Houston keep coming in thoroughly predictable fashion.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/tyreek-interception-texans.jpg12261800Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2024-12-15 19:24:432024-12-16 16:25:39Pressure Point: Tagovailoa’s four turnovers virtually seal another failed Dolphins season
Note to Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel: Next time get Jonnu Smith involved in the offense during the first 60 minutes and maybe you won’t have to go to overtime to put away a bottom-feeding opponent.
The veteran tight end, who is having a career year in his first season with the Dolphins but was targeted only once during regulation Sunday, surfaced with three receptions for 44 yards in overtime including the decisive 10-yard touchdown catch in an ugly but dramatic 32-26 win over the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium.
Consequently, the Dolphins’ season still has a breath of hope. Barely.
At 6-7 the Dolphins are well aware they must win out to have any chance of sneaking into the playoffs. Even that would require stumbles by teams ahead of them.
But for three quarters they played with no apparent sense of desperation and nearly let their most despised rival deal a killing blow to their star-crossed season.
It wasn’t until they entered the fourth quarter trailing by eight points that the Dolphins began showing a sense of urgency. It began with a sack of Aaron Rodgers by Zach Sieler that forced the Jets to punt for the first time in the game.
That sparked a frantic comeback that required a 4-yard touchdown toss on fourth down from Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill, a clutch grab by Jaylen Waddle for the 2-point conversion and finally Jason Sanders’ second field goal beyond 50 yards of the game just to get it to overtime.
It was an impressive comeback. It wasn’t an impressive performance by the Dolphins.
This wasn’t the frozen tundra of Green Bay or the hostile Bills den in Buffalo.
This was Fins friendly weather and cozy confines at Hard Rock Stadium, where the Jets haven’t won since 2014.
The Jets have only won three times this season. They have now lost four in a row and nine of their past 10. It is the type of record that can get your coach and general manager fired in-season, which has already happened to this Jets team.
Yet, they were playing like the playoff contender. The Jets scored on their first five possessions and completely took over the game in the third quarter.
After being insulted for playing “soft” in their Thanksgiving loss at Green Bay — even Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks echoed the opinion — it would have figured that the Fins would be playing with a chip on their shoulders.
Instead, the Jets’ rookie running back duo of Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen were breaking tackles and bowling over Miami defenders. Wide receivers Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson were getting wide open and Rodgers was dropping in easy tosses for big gains.
It didn’t help that the Dolphins were applying little pressure on the 41-year-old quarterback, who was dancing around the pocket like a ’90s MC Hammer singing “U Can’t Touch This.”
Rodgers ended up throwing for 339 yards, ending a 35-game drought without a 300-yard game, dating to 2021.
Dolphins masquerade as playoff contenders
Meanwhile, the Dolphins’ running game got stuffed again, held to 2.3 yards a carry.
On their touchdown drive to open the game, the Dolphins needed four plays to go the final three yards before De’Von Achane managed to bull his way in from the 2.
In other words, these Dolphins do not look like a bonafide playoff contender, nor have they all season.
Call them mathematical contenders. Their number may well hit zero next week at Houston against the AFC South-leading Texans. Three of their last four are on the road. After facing the 49ers at home, they close with cold-weather games at Cleveland and the Jets.
Dolphins are up to 26.8% to make the playoffs after the 1 p.m. window, per @PFN365's Playoff Predictor.
But give them their due for persevering in this one. Somehow.
“Find a way,” was the mind-set, according to wise old defensive tackle Calais Campbell.
Tagovailoa remains on hot streak
They did it with Tagovailoa continuing the hot hand he has had since returning from a four-game absence with a concussion.
Tagovailoa completed 33 of 47 passes for 331 yards, two touchdowns and a passer rating of 104.1. Since his return from injured reserve, he has thrown 15 touchdown passes with one interceptions.
Crazy stat of the day: Tua Tagovailoa dropped back 47 times. The Jets did not record a single QB hit.
Yes, he relied on the quick game a lot, but still — 0-for-47 is not a good batting average. #Jets
A revival of the receiving duo of Hill (10 catches for 115 yards and the key fourth-quarter touchdown) and Waddle (nine receptions for 99 yards and the conversion with no room to spare) was vital to the comeback.
It also took a 45-yard kickoff return by Malik Washington that set up Sander’s tying 52-yard field goal with seven seconds left in regulation.
Brooks, who agreed the Dolphins played soft at Green Bay, said of this effort: “I feel like we didn’t play our best today, but when we needed a stop we got one. So I’m proud of that.”
He added, “You’ve got to enjoy this one. You’ve got to enjoy the wins when you can get them. Because it’s hard to get wins in this league.”
Jonnu Smith difference maker in overtime
This one was tougher without the benefit of Jonnu Smith’s contributions until overtime. Inexplicably, the only time he saw the ball before that was an ill-conceived backwards shovel pass by Tua that was incomplete.
When the Dolphins got their hands on the ball in OT, the first two plays went to Smith for 20 and 14 yards.
“I think Jonnu came up and said something to Mike [McDaniel] or had to have to get more included and that’s what happened,” Tagovailoa said. “He didn’t say anything during the game. Not seeing the ball can be discouraging. He never blinked and just took advantage of his opportunities.”
After catching the winning touchdown pass, Smith, who is an openly devout individual, held up his hands in prayer and looked skyward.
For this Sunday, at least, Dolphins prayers were answered in the nick of time. Next Sunday in Houston, they will need to pray, er, play, with more urgency from the start.
And Coach McDaniel, don’t forget about Jonnu Smith.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/smith-prayer-jets.jpg11251500Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2024-12-08 19:57:202024-12-09 15:42:36Pressure Point: Jonnu Smith answers Miami Dolphins’ prayers in OT, keeps season alive
The Miami Dolphins playoff hopes were dealt a near fatal blow on Thanksgiving night, as they dropped yet another game to a team over .500, losing to Jordan Love and company by a final score of 30-17. Losing to good teams has unfortunately become a calling card for this most recent era of Miami Dolphins football, as former Dolphins Quarterback and Amazon Prime NFL Analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick has noted.
Well, the former QB is technically wrong on one thing, McDaniel is actually 3-14 in such games, but that is immaterial to the substance of the argument. Fitzpatrick is far from the only analyst echoing these sentiments, hell, even most of the fanbase feels this way, but it does encapsulate where most people lay the blame for the Miami Dolphins’ struggles versus the better teams in the league: Head Coach Mike McDaniel. McDaniel himself realizes this, he’s spoken again and again about how narratives will exist until they are bucked and the record says otherwise. At the moment, the 3-14 record says this: The Miami Dolphins are a football team with a limited ceiling due to their inability to play 60 minutes of disciplined, competitive football against the better teams in the league in games that matter. The question then becomes, why are they incapable of this? Is it a coaching issue? Is it a personnel issue? A culture issue? And, if so-what are the prescriptions going forward to remedy this? How can the Miami Dolphins get over this hump? This article takes a deep dive into each game of Mike McDaniel’s 3-14 record versus the better teams in the league to figure this out.
Week 2, 2022 @ BAL (1-0) W 42-38
The first win versus a winning team in the Mike McDaniel era came in the form of a barnstormer of a comeback for the Miami Dolphins in week 2’s 42-38 victory over the Ravens on the road in 2022. What had looked to be a competitive game early in the second quarter as the teams were knotted up at seven a piece had quickly ballooned to a 28-7 Baltimore lead at halftime courtesy of a couple of early Tua Tagovailoa interceptions, a kickoff return for a touchdown (these will become a theme), and Lamar Jackson shredding the blitz heavy look that had stumped him in Miami the previous season. The third quarter came and went without the Dolphins making any real traction towards putting a dent in the lead as the deficit held at 21, with Baltimore holding a 35-14 lead headed into the fourth quarter. This is where the Tua Tagovailoa breakout begins in earnest, as the Dolphins QB threw for four (!) fourth quarter touchdowns versus a beleaguered Ravens back seven en route to a 28-3 fourth quarter that sealed the win for the Miami Dolphins in Baltimore in stunning fashion. At this point, the McDaniel era was in full honeymoon mode, with the fanbase enamored with Miami’s new quick strike offense in the first year of the Tua-McDaniel partnership.
Week 3, 2022 vs. Buffalo W 21-19
Ironically, Mike McDaniel’s second victory against a team .500 or better came in his very next game against a team .500 or better, besting the division rival Buffalo Bills in a nail biting 21-19 victory. Although this game is better remembered for Tua’s controversial potential concussion suffered in the second quarter, the Miami Dolphins came out victorious on this steamy September Sunday in Miami. The metrics in this game were rather wacky, as the Bills had doubled Miami in time of possession, and more than doubled Miami’s yardage output, but the Dolphins bend but don’t break defense held the Bills to just a 50% red zone percentage, and Tua Tagovailoa made just enough clutch plays to beat the Bills. This game also was a bit of a flip of the script to the current narrative, as in the South Florida summer heat, the Dolphins appeared to be the tougher, more physical football team in this ball game, bringing McDaniel to a 2-0 record in games vs. teams with winning records. In hindsight, however, there were some red flags about this team in this ball game. The Bills had made costly special teams errors, a missed 38 yard field goal by Tyler Bass proving to be the difference, as well as Head Coach Sean McDermott running a questionable fake spike play at the end of the first half rather than taking a 51 yard field goal attempt. Special teams once again made an appearance in this game, too, for the Dolphins, as the Bills had brought the game back within a field goal on the Dolphins botched endzone punt attempt that went for a safety, the second time in as many games that special teams had directly been responsible for points on the board for the opposition.
Week 6, 2022 vs. MIN L (24-16)
The first loss of the Mike McDaniel era versus winning teams came in week six of 2022, falling 24-16 to the Minnesota Vikings, unsurprisingly, this loss came with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa out of the lineup, although Dolphins QBs Teddy Bridgewater and Skylar Thompson played well, especially relative to what we have seen in the McDaniel tenure, as they combined to go 30-47 for 418 yards and two touchdowns to two interceptions. This is another theme in the McDaniel era, specifically in these Tua-less games, a game that could have easily gone the other direction for the Dolphins. The Dolphins outgained and out possessed the Vikings in this ball game, but they lost the turnover battle 3-0, and they were far more penalized, committing ten penalties for 97 yards, a good number of those being offensive procedural penalties, another common thread in games without Tagovailoa at the helm in Miami under McDaniel. The Dolphins had multiple opportunities to come back and win this game after trailing 16-3 mid third quarter, ultimately coming up short in large part to two of the three turnovers occurring in the final 4:14 of the fourth quarter. Two other trends either emerged, or continued in this loss for Miami, as special teams continued to struggle with a missed field goal, and allowing Vikings return man Jalen Reagor to get loose for a 25 yard return, though that had no consequence. Additionally, this game saw Mike McDaniel go for it on 4th and 1 on the Miami 34 in a one score game in the middle of the third quarter. This led to no Vikings points, but in hindsight, echoes familiarly with decisions in losses down the line. For this loss, though, McDaniel largely gets a pass in a game that would likely have been an easy win with Tagovailoa at QB. He falls to 2-1 versus winning teams.
Week 13, 2022 @ SFO L (33-17)
The second loss against a winning team for McDaniel’s Dolphins came in week 13 of 2022 in a 33-17 loss to former colleague and boss Kyle Shanahan. The Dolphins started this game competitively, with a 75 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to former Niner Trent Sherfield. Defensively, the Dolphins started strong in this ball game, stifling Jimmy Garroppolo and company, even knocking the 49ers signal caller out of the game. Enter one Brock Purdy, the little known Mr. Irrelevant at the time, carved the Dolphins defense for the remainder of the game. Offensively, we saw the first sign of the now well known achilles heel of the Dolphins offense with Tua and McDaniel, two high. The Niners kept a lid on the defense, and played their linebackers deep, taking away many of the Dolphins bread and butter concepts away for much of the game. The pass rush was anchored by a dominant Nick Bosa performance to the tune of three sacks, resulting in a pedestrian performance from Tagovailoa plagued by key second half turnovers that helped the Niners seal the game. The Dolphins once again were the less disciplined team in this one, doubling the Niners in overall penalties with eight for 68 yards. The question following this one was how would McDaniel and company counter this adjustment?
Week 15 @ BUF L (32-29)
The Dolphins next game versus a good team came just a few weeks later in Buffalo, in what would be a convergence of two narratives, versus a good team, and in the cold. Despite the loss, this looked like a game where the Dolphins had answered the call, as they had played Buffalo to a virtual draw in this one, falling to a last second field goal by a final score of 32-29. McDaniel had seemingly taken steps forward, he leaned into the run game to the tune of 25 carries for 188 yards, a popular complaint of McDaniel at the time was that he was all too eager to abandon the run, but in this game he had stuck with it to great effect. The Dolphins defense was wholly incapable of stopping Allen in this ball game, as he had been responsible for 381 yards of total offense and four touchdowns for the Bills, especially in a 4th quarter that had seen Allen and the Bills score 11 unanswered to come back and win the ball game. There was yet another issue for McDaniel’s offense however, short yardage. The Dolphins were 2-7 in converting first downs offensively when they had the ball on 3rd and three yards or less, including once at the goal line where they failed to convert on 2nd and goal from the three, attempting two passes in a row before kicking a field goal. Regardless, this game was seen as legitimate progress for the Dolphins and McDaniel, and fans were convinced he was growing as a Head Coach despite falling to 2-3 versus teams with a winning record.
2022 Wild Card Round @ BUF L (34-31)
Coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins would not have to wait long to get a rematch with the Buffalo Bills, as the two teams met up for the third time in the 2022 season in the wild card round, where the Dolphins could come up just short in an inspired effort, 34-31. The Dolphins offense sputtered with Skylar Thompson at the helm once again, which was as expected in this matchup, what was not expected, however was the performance Josh Boyer’s unit would put together in his swan song as defensive coordinator, as the Dolphins sacked Josh Allen seven times, intercepted him twice, and even forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. In a game that the Dolphins had stormed back from a 17-0 deficit to take a 24-20 lead in the middle of the third quarter, there really is not much to be nitpicked from this one, the lone coaching blemish being a delay of game on 4th and 1 near mid field trailing by three with 2:27 remaining, but with a backup quarterback in the game, it’s difficult to say if that was purely on McDaniel. In year one the Dolphins had gone 2-4 versus winning teams, but the two wins at Baltimore and home versus Buffalo were genuinely impressive. Combine that with a close loss at home to a good Vikings team without Tua at QB and two razor thin losses in Orchard Park at the end of the year, and this year was relatively excusable, all in all, especially for a first year head coach.
2023 Week 4 @ BUF L (48-20)
The Dolphins next “prove it” game came in week four of the 2023 season on the road in Buffalo. The Dolphins were coming off of a 70-20 thrashing of the Denver Broncos, and fans were excited to see another installment of what looked to be a budding rivalry between the Dolphins and Bills following the down to the wire trilogy these teams played in 2022. But in this one, Mike McDaniel and company were completely outcoached and outmatched by the Bills in Buffalo in a 48-20 dismantling. The game had gotten off to a 14-14 start as each team had traded touchdowns throughout the early portion of the game, then came the penalties. There was a veritable parade of procedural penalties on the Dolphins, as they committed eight penalties for 98 yards in this one, including two on their third drive of the game trailing 21-14 that killed the drive, from there, it was all Buffalo. The Bills went on to score ten more points to extend their lead to 31-14 at the half as the Dolphins went three and out and fumbled the football on their final two possessions of the first half. This was a game that was lost following the punt at 14-14 as the Dolphins completely melted down from there with penalties, turnovers and little defensive resistance. This game could be considered as the birth of the “frontrunner” moniker for the Dolphins.
Week 7 @ Philadelphia L (31-17)
The Dolphins next opportunity to shake off the title of front runner would come in week seven on Sunday Night Football in Philadelphia to face the Eagles. Many of the same boogeymen that haunted the Dolphins in week 4 versus Buffalo showed up against the Eagles. The Dolphins were an undisciplined group once again, committing ten penalties for a total of 70 yards. As far as the play calling is concerned, the Dolphins ran the ball just 12 times in a game that they had trailed by 14 at the most and had even tied up in the third quarter, so gamescript can’t necessarily be used to excuse McDaniel in that aspect. Tagovailoa was pedestrian once again versus better competition, completing 23 of 32 passes for 216 yards, a touchdown, and a pick. The rest of the Dolphins offense doesn’t escape blame, either, as the Dolphins had two touchdowns slip through their grasp via a Lester Cotton holding penalty in the first quarter that resulted in the Dolphins settling for a field goal, and a Tyreek Hill dropped touchdown in the third quarter that would have given the Dolphins offense a needed boost versus a solid Eagles defense. Defensively, the Dolphins defense had a tough time containing AJ Brown as the Eagles number one receiver abused the Dolphins secondary for ten catches, 137 yards and a touchdown. This was yet another game that the Dolphins could have at least had a chance in, had it not been for penalties and missed opportunities for Mike McDaniel’s group as they fell to 2-6 versus teams with winning records.
2023 Week 9 vs. KC L (21-14)
Week Nine of the 2023 season would see the Dolphins take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany. This was a game that was very much a nightmare start for McDaniel and company. Drops, penalties, and pressure plagued the Dolphins first handful of drives, and while the defense played relatively well, the Dolphins found themselves in an early 14-0 deficit when disaster would strike. Towards the end of the half, as the Dolphins were driving into Kansas City territory, Tyreek Hill would have a pass ripped away from him and returned for a touchdown with 47 seconds remaining to put the Dolphins in a 21-0 hole at the half. The Dolphins would go on to score 14 unanswered in the second half, but ultimately they would come up short in their comeback bid as their final drive stalled out at the Kansas City 31 yard-line. Again, this was an undisciplined performance in which the Dolphins allowed themselves to spiral into a multi score deficit as the Dolphins fell to 2-7 in the Mike McDaniel era versus winning teams.
2023 Week 16 vs. DAL W (22-20)
The Dolphins third and final victory of the Mike McDaniel era versus winning teams came at home on Christmas Eve of 2023 against the Dallas Cowboys. This was a game in which neither offense was particularly sharp, as the teams were keen to settle for three with both teams combining for seven field goals. The defense however, was disruptive, keeping Tony Pollard and the Cowboys running game in check, and sacking Cowboy Quarterback Dak Prescott four times in the 22-20 victory, allowing Tua Tagovailoa and the offense to orchestrate a game winning drive ending with a Jason Sanders 29-yard field goal. This wasn’t necessarily a game that instilled confidence, as it felt as though neither team played particularly well, but, when playing good teams, even ugly wins come at a premium, and Dallas was 10-4 coming into a pivotal matchup with the Dolphins on Christmas Eve.
2023 Week 17 @ BAL L (56-19)
Arguably the ugliest loss of the Mike McDaniel era to date, the Ravens 56-19 drubbing of the Miami Dolphins didn’t start out as such. This was a game in which the Dolphins actually led 10-7 at the end of the first quarter, before going on to be embarrased 49-9 for the final three quarters. Once again, this was a game in which the Dolphins offense was stifled by the two high safety look offensively, the most curious development, from a coaching perspective, however was the balance in the offensive gameplan, even in the first half. By the time the Dolphins saw the ball for the first time in the second half, they were already trailing 35-13, surely at that point no one could fault them for abandoning a run game that had seen success in the first half, but that’s not necessarily where it began. On the first two drives of the ballgame, which netted the Dolphins ten points, Miami had called seven passes and six runs, pretty balanced. However, from the Dolphins third drive until the end of the first half, the playcalling changed significantly, with fourteen pass plays being called to just five runs. In the first half, Tua completed 10-21 passes for 154 yards with a touchdown and an interception. In the run game, the Dolphins backfield of Jeff Wilson and De’Von Achane had 91 yards on eleven carries. This isn’t to put the blame on McDaniel for a game in which the Dolphins allowed 56 points, the defense takes the majority of the blame there, but this is to say that the Dolphins curious abandonment of the run game likely kept them from keeping the game respectable. Combine that with abhorrent defense and special teams practically allowing seven by themselves via a 78 yard Justice Hill return to kick off the second half, and you get the worst loss of this era of Dolphins football.
Week 18 vs. BUF L (21-14)
The next opportunity the Dolphins had to quiet the frontrunner narrative was at home versus the Bills in week 18 in a matchup for the division, the result was a 21-14 loss to Buffalo in a game that was easily winnable for the Dolphins, overall the Dolphins ran for 108 yards on 20 carries, 16 of said 20 carries and 93 of said 108 yards came in the first half. So naturally one would assume that the Dolphins had to be trailing at the half, since they had seemingly dropped the run, right? Wrong. The Dolphins held a touchdown advantage at the half and then ran the ball a total of four times in the second half, just an unacceptable script when playing with a lead against an offense as potentially explosive as the Bills. The other commonality in this game with many others on this list was a special teams blunder, as the Bills tied the game at 14 apiece early in the fourth quarter on a Deonte Harty 96 yard punt return. From there, the Dolphins did what has become expected of them and melted down, the remaining possessions went as follows: Dolphins three and out, Bills TD, Dolphins three and out, Bills turnover on downs, Dolphins interception. In a game where Tua Tagovailoa was far from his sharpest, the Dolphins could ill afford to go away from the run or allow defensive and/or special teams points, and they did both. The result gave them their next game versus a good opponent in a game that was virtually unwinnable before it was played.
2023 Wild Card Round @KC L (26-7)
This game was a true exercise in futility. The Miami Dolphins were outgunned and outmanned in this game to the tune of being down both starting edge rushers, a starting linebacker, a starting corner, a starting guard, and having both of their star wide receivers running at about 70%. Not to mention the historic cold on that Saturday night in Arrowhead with a temperature of minus four degrees with wind chill that made it feel like a bone chilling -18, the Dolphins did as they are wont to do in cold weather, missing tackles defensively and struggling to find rhythm offensively, once again compounding errors via penalties and, ironically, melting down in the icy conditions. That said, however, there was nothing the Dolphins players or coaches could have reasonably done to win this game, the game was lost when the matchup was set in the aftermath of the Dolphins’ week 18 home loss versus the Bills, so on to 2024 we go.
2024 Week 2 vs. BUF L (31-10)
The Dolphins first outing versus a good team in 2024 was a painful reminder of still yet how far the team was from contending with those upper echelon teams the NFL has to offer. The Dolphins found themselves behind 24-10 at the half due to some familiar issues in big games, the offense had committed drive killing penalties, and three costly turnovers (two interceptions, one on downs) and the defense was unable to stop the Bills from converting short fields into touchdowns. The interceptions were arguable in terms of fault, as the first pick was tipped off of the shoulder pad of receiver Grant DuBose (who???), and the second one was arguably miscommunication between Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Robbie Chosen. Personnel issues aside, the offense was able to run the ball somewhat effectively in the first half, however they made costly mistakes that the Bills were able to easily take advantage of and Miami found themselves once again having to dig themselves out of a sizable hole. As a result, QB Tua Tagovailoa put the onus on himself to become the hero, this led to a pick six due to Tagovailoa deciding entirely too late to throw the ball away and then on the ensuing possession, Tagovailoa would dive head first into Bills Safety Demar Hamlin in an attempt to gain a first down, leading to the Dolphins signal caller to go down with his third documented concussion in as many seasons. From there, the wind had just about left the Dolphins sails, as the two teams would seemingly run out the clock in a 31-10 drubbing.
2024 Week 3 @SEA L (24-3)
The following week would take the Dolphins into the 12th man to visit the Seattle Seahawks with backup quarterback Skylar Thompson under center. This game was a mess riddled with penalties and poor quarterback play, the Dolphins offense seemingly was unable to get out of its own way, and while they had played an inspired game for three quarters, the defense would eventually give way to the Seahawks run game as they would pull away in the fourth quarter and cruise to a 24-3 victory. Really not much to discuss with this game, the backup quarterback situation never gave the team a chance to survive this one in an environment as difficult to play in as Seattle.
Week 10 @BUF L (30-27)
Look up the word “close” in the dictionary, and this game is liable to pop up. This game very much felt like the Dolphins’ Alamo at 2-5 going into Buffalo and pushing Josh Allen and company to the brink, but in a game where the margins were as thin as a 61 yard field goal, every individual play matters. The metrics on this game for the two teams were about as even as even could be. Both teams had one turnover, converted on 50% of third downs, were 1-1 on fourth downs, and the difference in time of possession was a slim 31:53-28:07 in favor of the Dolphins. Where the Dolphins really were hurt in this game were in a few key areas, firstly, the Dolphins doubled the Bills’ penalty total, eight to four, none bigger than an unnecessary roughness penalty on Dolphins’ Safety, and Bills double agent (?) Jordan Poyer. Additionally, the Dolphins special teams made a costly blunder that directly led to a Bills score when Punter Jake Bailey, on his only punt of the ball game, was only able to muster up a 37 yard punt from the Dolphins 29-yard line that was promptly returned 29 yards to the Dolphins’ 37, putting the Bills in field goal range, and allowing the Bills to get a score on a drive that would have otherwise ended in a punt. While this may seem like nitpicking, these are the margins one deals with in tight NFL games, but this was a game in which the fanbase really had believed perhaps McDaniel turned a corner, the offense looked different on the road in Buffalo, there was no desperate chasing points by going on fourth downs, it seemed like the team was trending positively, overall.
2024 Week 14 @GB L (30-17)
This was a game that the Dolphins lost within the first quarter of play. After forcing a three and out on the first offensive possession of the game by the Packers, Dolphins rookie receiver Malik Washington muffed the punt inside the Dolphins own 10 yard line, giving the Packers first and goal, the Packers then promptly score the first touchdown of the game. On the Dolphins first offensive possession they would go on to commit three penalties for a whopping 25 yards, forcing Miami to punt. From there, the Packers offense was a wrecking crew, scoring on the ensuing drive relatively easily and taking control of the game to the tune of a 14-0 lead after one quarter, from there, they would go on to punish the Dolphins defense for the remainder of the ballgame, using their three headed monster of Josh Jacobs, Emmanuel Wilson, and Chris Brooks (!) to run through Dolphins defenders while Jordan Love made big throw after big throw. Offensively, while efficient overall, the Dolphins run game woes coming into this game continued, as they were unable to gain any traction with Achane, Wright or Mostert, and the short yardage woes continued. The Dolphins had two goal to go situations in this game offensively, the results? One field goal, one turnover on downs, also known as 11 points left on the board. Questionable coaching from a decision making perspective as also present, as down 21-3, on fourth and five from the Packers 38-yard line, the Dolphins opted to go for it rather than attempting the field goal to potentially make the game a two possession game going into the half. Instead, the Dolphins attempt to convert and fail, leaving the Packers 25 seconds and three timeouts to go down and get a field goal of their own to take a 24-3 lead into the half, another example of desperation backfiring for this staff when facing a deficit.
So, what can we take away from all of this? Firstly, the Dolphins have a bad habit of letting issues snowball, too often one thing would happen, and the team would respond by spiraling until they faced a multi score deficit. Secondly, special teams has cost the Dolphins more than one of these games, whether it’s allowing long punt returns, long kick returns, or missing field goals. Third, the Dolphins, specifically on the road, are prone to procedure penalties offensively, which could be a byproduct of taking a complex system on the road into more difficult environments. Finally, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is prone to either forgetting about the run game when ahead, or when behind by one score, there’s often a palpable feel that the Dolphins are pressing when trailing ball games, even ones they are competitive. The defense has been carved up many times in these games, but there has also been more than a fair share of games in which they kept the Dolphins in the game only to give in to attrition and let the game get out of hand, they nearly as culpable as the offense in these spirals after all. And to preempt a response I was certain to see to this article, I took the liberty of taking Tua’s stats from these games, and he can surely be better, too. In 14 games that he was able to play of a possible 17, he was 315-471, good for a completion percentage of 66.7%, 3,553 yards, and 24 touchdowns to 15 interceptions. These numbers are pedestrian by the standards Dolphins fans have been accustomed to with Tua, but far from worthy of the derision that he receives from a large portion of the fanbase. To sum things up, as it stands right now, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s characterization of the Dolphins as frontrunners is as accurate as they come, and it’s up to the Dolphins, and Mike McDaniel, specifically, if he is still around, to change that going forward.
*******
Eric Wiedeke is a host on Pulse of Fins Nation and The Final Yard on the Five Reasons YouTube channel.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/tua-column.jpg695643Eric Wiedekehttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgEric Wiedeke2024-12-05 14:27:312024-12-05 14:27:31Under the Spotlight: Examining Mike McDaniel’s 3-14 Record vs Winning Teams
Unlike Thanksgiving leftovers, the Miami Dolphins’ 30-17 drubbing at Green Bay is as tough to swallow the day after as it was Thursday night before a national audience.
Because it was so predictable. And oh, so, familiar.
The longstanding narrative that the Dolphins can’t win in cold weather was reinforced. But it’s not so much about the temperature as it is about the time of year.
The Dolphins have been failing miserably under similar circumstances for years: in impactful games against top teams, on the road, late in the season, when typically it is cold.
Tua Tagovailoa hasn’t been able to shake the stigma of lack of big-game success. But even with the best quarterback they’ve ever had, the Dolphins couldn’t win these type of games.
Dan Marino was 8-17 against Jim Kelly and the Bills, including 0-3 in playoffs.
You’d think a serious football franchise would rise to the occasion, occasionally. But this high-stakes ineptitude has literally spanned decades, before the uniforms they wore Thursday night were considered throwbacks.
Dolphins manhandled by Packers
And it’s not always about being on the road in the cold. They lost the 2023 regular-season finale at home in ideal weather to the Bills with the AFC East title on the line. That earned them a trip to freezing Kansas City and another non-competitive first-round exit from the playoffs.
Sure, it was a tough assignment Thursday at frigid Lambeau Field off a short week. And it didn’t help that the first time the Dolphins got their hands on the ball they dropped it — muffed punt by Malik Washington that gifted the first touchdown a few plays later.
But this game was lost at the point of attack. The Packers simply mauled Miami.
The Dolphins couldn’t block and they couldn’t tackle. That will leave you on the wrong end of 30-17 every time.
The running game went nowhere — a mere 39 yards, average of 2.8 yards per carry — which has been a problem even in recent wins at home against bottom-feeding Raiders and Patriots. The backs had trouble just getting to the line of scrimmage.
Meanwhile, Dolphins defenders were getting carried by Packers running backs and receivers like sacks of mail, if they didn’t whiff on tackle attempts altogether.
The Dolphins had an ungodly 20 missed tackles. Twenty! That is unacceptable at any level of football.
Not sure how you blame that on the cold.
Nor the five sacks allowed, including on fourth-and-goal at the Green Bay 1 in the fourth quarter. They were also flagged for holding on that play, so it was doomed either way.
The Dolphins, playing to maintain slim playoff chances, showed no desperation or resolve. Their heads weren’t in the game either, evidenced by 10 penalties assessed for 75 yards.
The so-called second-half comeback bid was a mirage, the padded stat totals meaningless. Teams like the Dolphins don’t come back from 24-3 at halftime after being manhandled and embarrassed for 30 minutes on national TV by a top-tier opponent.
Likewise, spare us the flimsy mathematical possibilities that the 5-7 Dolphins could still make the playoffs if they win their final five games … and a cow jumps over the moon.
That would require winning two cold-weather games, albeit against the middling Jets and Browns. They also must play at Houston against the AFC South-leading Texans.
Here’s a glaring stat: the Dolphins are 0-4 this season against teams currently in playoff position and have been outscored by 58 points in those games.
That is a lot of 30-17 results, or thereabouts. But it’s nothing new. Last season the Dolphins were 1-6 against teams that went to the playoffs.
The Mike McDaniel era is simply continuing the serial incompetence that has spanned coaching staffs, front-office regimes and ownership since the last century.
There was hope that the team profile would change when Bill Parcells was brought in to run the football operation after the 1-15 2007 season. Instead, Parcells gave us Tony Sparano, who was best known for punting and kicking field goals.
What they needed was Tony Soprano. Less of mister nice guy and more of a strong-armed approach.
That hasn’t changed. The final word on the latest frigid fiasco was linebacker Jordyn Brooks saying late Thursday, “I thought we were soft. Simple as that, I thought we were soft today. I don’t know if guys were too cold. … I don’t know what it was. I feel like the elements played a part in how we played as a group, and that was the result that we got.”
It is a result Dolfans know all too well. With no reason to expect improvement any time soon.
This franchise misses on too many draft picks, then has to overspend on free agents to try to make up for it. That keeps them tight on the salary cap and unable to invest in the depth of talent needed to succeed.
What you get is a 30-17 comeuppance, time and again.
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/mcdaniel-green-bay.jpg8301000Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2024-11-29 15:19:002024-11-29 15:19:00Pressure Point: Dolphins’ latest debacle more about incompetence than cold weather
The Miami Dolphins showcased a complete team effort Sunday, dismantling the New England Patriots 34-15 in front of a roaring home crowd. Here’s a closer look at the standout performances and pivotal moments that defined the game.
Tagovailoa’s Commanding Presence
Tua Tagovailoa was in full control, mixing precision passing with smart decisions. His ability to spread the ball to multiple targets kept the Patriots’ defense on its heels all game. From pinpoint throws to De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle to managing the tempo, Tagovailoa reminded everyone why he’s the heart of this offense. His stat line—29 completions on 40 attempts for 317 yards and 4 touchdowns—speaks volumes about his leadership under center.
Achane Shines as a Versatile Threat
The Dolphins’ ground game wasn’t anything to write home about, but De’Von Achane proved his value as a dual-threat weapon. His first touchdown catch was a highlight-worthy moment, showcasing agility and field vision. Later, he exploited a coverage breakdown to secure his second score.
Jaylen Waddle: A Season-Defining Performance
Jaylen Waddle put together his most electric outing of the season, slicing through New England’s secondary with ease. His ability to gain separation and turn short passes into big gains echoed the explosiveness Miami fans grew accustomed to last year. Tight end Jonnu Smith added to the offensive fireworks, bulldozing through defenders for a gritty touchdown.
Offensive Line Holds Strong
Miami’s offensive line gave Tagovailoa the clean pocket he needed to excel. While run blocking remains inconsistent, the protection in passing situations was stellar. With time to operate, Tagovailoa made the Patriots pay.
Defensive Line Dictates the Game
Miami’s defensive front took control early, forcing the Patriots to play catch-up. Zach Sieler led the charge, nearly recovering a fumble before redeeming himself with a strip-sack that set up a key scoring drive. The dominance up front ensured New England could never find its rhythm.
Linebackers Bring the Heat
Rookie Chop Robinson continues to impress, recording another sack and providing consistent pressure. Anthony Walker and Jordyn Brooks were all over the field, combining for key tackles and a fumble recovery. Even with Walker leaving the game due to injury, his replacement, Tyrel Dodson, stepped up with a highlight-reel interception late in the fourth quarter.
Secondary Silences New England
The Patriots’ passing attack was virtually nonexistent, thanks to Miami’s disciplined secondary. Jalen Ramsey added a sack to his résumé, while Storm Duck filled in admirably for Kendall Fuller. The Dolphins’ defensive backs made a quiet day feel like a masterclass in suffocating coverage.
Coaching Brilliance
Head coach Mike McDaniel orchestrated a balanced attack, blending explosive plays with methodical drives. He reintroduced the deep ball, reigniting the offense’s identity while keeping the Patriots guessing. On defense, Anthony Weaver’s unit looked prepared for every wrinkle New England threw their way.
A Team Hitting Its Stride
This was more than just another win for Miami; it was a statement. With three straight victories and the offense firing on all cylinders, the Dolphins are building momentum heading into a pivotal Thanksgiving showdown in Green Bay. For a team that has been criticized for its struggles in cold-weather games, Thursday offers the perfect chance to flip the narrative.
The Dolphins left Hard Rock Stadium looking like contenders. Now, they’ll need to prove it on a chilly night in Wisconsin.
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https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_9027.jpg490640Jacob Meshelhttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgJacob Meshel2024-11-25 16:40:542024-11-25 16:40:54Dolphins Dominate New England: Key Takeaways from the 34-15 Victory
It was Feel Good Sunday for the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.
Perfect weather and a near-perfect performance (for three quarters) by the home team in a thorough pasting of the Patriots, their long-time nemesis.
The giddy 34-15 romp even had team owner Steve Ross doing the celebratory Waddle waddle after Tua Tagovailoa threw his fourth touchdown pass of the game in the third quarter to Jaylen Waddle.
Most important, the Dolphins’ third consecutive win put Miami, now 5-6, one spot out of the final wild card in the AFC — 7-5 Denver holds it.
Enjoy the moment, Dolfans, like a second helping of Thanksgiving turkey. But beware of the tryptophan.
The Dolphins can’t afford to snooze Thursday night in a holiday prime-time matchup with the Packers in Green Bay.
Beating up on the weakling Raiders and Patriots back-to-back at home in the sunshine was entertaining and necessary to dig out of a deep early season hole.
The telling test will be how a Dolphins team that has gained some momentum can meet the bigger challenges of the stretch run.
Or as the CBS announcers put it: “You’ve got to win the big-boy games.”
There will be two of those on the road in the next three weeks, at Green Bay and Dec. 15 at AFC South-leading Houston, sandwiched around a home game against the struggling Jets.
Miami then hosts the San Francisco 49ers, who remain in the big-boy category despite struggles of their own.
This is the point that so many Dolphins seasons have gone off the rails. Look no further than last season when they led the Buffalo Bills by three games in the AFC East with five to play and coughed it all up.
The downfall began with blowing a two-touchdown lead in the final three minutes against the Titans in a Monday night collapse. Season-ending losses to the Ravens and Bills pushed the Dolphins from hosting a playoff game to having to play the Chiefs in frigid Kansas City. The result was a predictable one-sided loss to extend the drought without a playoff win since the 2000 season.
“I think we’re heading in the right direction,” said Waddle. “We’ve got big games coming up the end of the year, so it’s important that we start playing our best ball heading into this last stretch of the season.”
Waddle played his best game of the season Sunday with eight receptions for 144 yards and the 29-yard touchdown from Tua.
The offense has been increasingly efficient in Tagovailoa’s four games since returning from his latest concussion. In improving to 7-0 in his career against the Patriots, he completed 29 of 40 for 317 yards and a rating of 128.9.
He again made good use of tight end Jonnu Smith, who had nine catches for 87 yards and the first touchdown of the day. De’Von Achane caught the other two TDs on screens out of the backfield. Tyreek Hill had five receptions for 48 yards.
“The guys are feeling good,” Tagovailoa said. “Everything feels better when you win.”
In the past two games, Tua has thrown for 605 yards, seven touchdowns, no interceptions and a 128.5 passer rating.
Again, that is against two of the downtrodden teams in the league.
But as Tagovailoa pointed out, “Getting into rhythm of stacking wins up, I definitely think that is a big morale booster.”
The continued struggles to run the ball is concerning, though. They rushed for only 65 yards while averaging a mere 2.7 a carry against the Patriots.
Throwing likely will be more difficult at Lambeau Field, where the forecast for Thursday night calls for temperatures dropped to near 20 degrees. Little chance of snow, though, with winds moderate.
Could be worse. But there is a 100-percent chance of a hostile atmosphere. It is certain to be plenty loud.
“We’re still below the .500 threshold and it’s a long way to where we want to get to,” Tagovailoa said. “But this next one is going to be big for us and we’re excited to go to Green Bay and show everybody in prime time what we can do.”
They will be coming off another strong showing by the defense. Rookie Chop Robinson is becoming a force on the pass rush. He had 1 ½ sacks and three hits on quarterback Drake Maye.
The Dolphins sacked Maye four times, including a strip-sack by Zach Sieler that was recovered by Jordyn Brooks to set up Miami’s final touchdown.
The defense suffered a blow when linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. left with a hamstring injury in the first half. But newly acquired veteran Tyrel Dodson not only filled the void, he had a one-handed interception.
Could it be that these Dolphins actually flip the script recent history and finish stronger than they started?
Insight on that question should come in about four days. Miami, trailing Denver by two games in the wild-card chase, can’t afford to fall farther behind.
“The Packers aren’t going to care about our three-game win streak. The Packers are going to try to make us seem like a team that can’t win in the cold and can’t beat a good team,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said.
That is an apt statement of the Dolphins’ profile for close to a quarter-century.
It is valid until they prove otherwise.
McDaniel went on to say, “Like life, it’s not about avoiding adversity. It’s about flourishing in it. You really can’t hide. You find out who believes in what we’re doing and who believes in each other.”
Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.
https://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/tua-4-touchdowns.jpg15002000Craig Davishttps://www.fivereasonssports.com/wp-content/uploads/FiveReasonsWebsiteLogo.svgCraig Davis2024-11-24 18:49:512024-11-24 21:58:58Pressure Point: Dolphins back in playoff race, must now win ‘big-boy games’
