McDaniel Defends Tagovailoa Amid Bench Speculation
The Miami Dolphins’ tumultuous season has sparked a wave of speculation regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s future, with some national reports suggesting he could be benched as the campaign unfolds. Head coach Mike McDaniel, however, firmly dismissed these rumors, asserting that Tagovailoa remains the team’s best option for victory.
Addressing the Rumors Head-On
In light of recent struggles, the Dolphins have faced scrutiny, particularly around Tagovailoa, who is currently on pace for his lowest passer rating since his rookie year in 2020. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted over the weekend that the possibility of benching Tagovailoa was “not off the table.” McDaniel quickly countered this notion during a press conference.
“I’m far from even going down that direction of would have, could have, possible things,” McDaniel stated. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills, reiterating his belief that Tagovailoa provides the best chance for success.
He acknowledged the weight of being a franchise quarterback, explaining, “With the anointment of being a franchise quarterback comes the consequences of having to be on top of your game.” McDaniel underscored that all players, including Tagovailoa, are under scrutiny, and adjustments will be made if performance warrants it.
Performance Under Pressure
As it stands, Tagovailoa holds an 87.6 passer rating, a stark contrast to the over 100 ratings he achieved in his first three seasons under McDaniel. His recent statistics tell a troubling story: one touchdown pass set against seven interceptions during the Dolphins’ last three losses to the Los Angeles Chargers, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens.
Despite these setbacks, McDaniel remains optimistic about Tagovailoa’s development. He believes in the quarterback’s ability to learn from past games and respond positively moving forward. “I still absolutely don’t forget all of the learning lessons and the growth that Tua has had over his career,” he said.
The Bench Talk Misses the Mark
The idea of benching Tagovailoa is especially perplexing given the current dynamics within the organization. McDaniel has retained his position despite the Dolphins’ 2-7 record, while general manager Chris Grier has been replaced. With owner Stephen Ross reportedly eager to see McDaniel return next season, the focus shifts to winning rather than experimenting with the quarterback depth chart.
While there may come a time later in the season to evaluate rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers, that scenario would likely only materialize if McDaniel is secure in his role as head coach or if a decision has been made to move on from him.
Tagovailoa has indeed shown flashes of brilliance this season, with four games in which he posted a passer rating exceeding 114. The primary concern has been inconsistency and difficulties closing out games, rather than a lack of potential.
Looking Ahead
As it stands, neither Ewers nor Zach Wilson appears poised to offer a better chance for victory than Tagovailoa. McDaniel’s commitment to fielding the best players ensures that Tagovailoa will continue to lead the Dolphins as they strive for improvement in the weeks ahead.
With McDaniel’s confidence in Tagovailoa shining through, fans can expect the quarterback to remain in the starting lineup as the Dolphins prepare to face the Buffalo Bills. The team’s focus is unwavering: to win games, and for now, that means sticking with Tagovailoa.
