Chris Sama ’27

by Chris Sama ’27 on October 23, 2025

After losing to the Los Angeles Chargers in week six on Oct. 12, the Miami Dolphins picked up their fifth loss of the season, making them 1–5 overall. In a post-game press conference, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa criticized his teammates for being late to, or even missing, player-only meetings as a major factor contributing to their losing streak. Tagovailoa described it as a leadership issue that needs to be addressed so the team can fix “the little things.”

While Tagovailoa meant well, he faced a lot of public backlash for airing out their issues as a team instead of privately addressing them, which could cause more scrutiny for certain players.There were also criticisms regarding Tagovailoa himself and his performance in the game and season overall. Coach Mike McDaniel publicly stated that the message had been received by the team, but wasn’t appropriately delivered. Tagovailoa apologized three days later during a Dolphins media conference, saying that he “made a mistake” and that he’s “owning up to it right now” as his emotions got the best of him. He further explained that it wasn’t right for him to address private issues to the media, and that these issues start with his leadership, character, and decision-making. 

On Sunday, Oct. 19, the Dolphins faced off against the Cleveland Browns in Ohio, who now have a 2–5 record and lost 31–6. This is such a bad loss for the Dolphins that it is rumored McDaniel could get fired. This victory broke a 12-game streak for the Browns of scoring less than 17 points. The Browns capitalized on four turnovers from the Dolphins that ended up as touchdowns, including one of three interceptions thrown from Tagovailoa. The only other team that the Dolphins have beaten was the New York Jets, who remain winless so far this season, showing serious concerns for the future of the Dolphins. 

Their chances for making the playoffs this season are now extremely low, and McDaniel is scrambling to get the team back to its former playoff caliber. Coach McDaniel had high expectations this season as he had led the Dolphins to the playoffs twice, including in 2022 when Tagovailoa had two major concussions and sat out for some regular season and playoff games. He is primarily known for being a great offensive coach, but after Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury during their win against the Jets, he has struggled to get the offense to its full strength. McDaniel has a lot to prove in these upcoming games, and based on Tagovailoa’s comments, has to instill more discipline in his team. 

The Miami Dolphins play the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Oct. 26, and the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Oct. 30. If they win these two games, there could be some hope for the Dolphins, but looking at the current state they’re in now, it seems unlikely.