Dolphins Consider Quarterback Change Amid Struggles

Following a disappointing 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is contemplating a change at quarterback. McDaniel stated, 'The quarterback play last night was not good enough, so for me, everything is on the table,' indicating that he is evaluating all options for the team's remaining games.

Tua Tagovailoa's performance has drawn scrutiny; he completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, but faltered early, throwing for just 65 yards through three quarters.

According to Miami Herald, this has been a recurring issue, as Tagovailoa has thrown a league-high 16 interceptions this season, leading to questions about his future with the team. McDaniel acknowledged that Tagovailoa's performance has not met expectations, noting the Dolphins' struggles on third downs, where they went 2 of 8 in the game against Pittsburgh.

The Dolphins are currently 6-8 and have been eliminated from playoff contention, ranking 23rd in points and 25th in passing yards this season. McDaniel has not yet decided whether to start Tagovailoa in the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals, with backup options including Zach Wilson and rookie Quinn Ewers.

He emphasized the need to put the best team on the field, stating, 'It's my job to attack that; there needs to be better play at that position.' This situation raises significant implications for Tagovailoa's future in Miami, especially given his hefty contract, which includes a $56.4 million cap hit in 2026 if he remains on the roster.

This decision could signal a pivotal moment for both McDaniel’s coaching tenure and Tagovailoa's career in Miami, as the Dolphins look for a way to improve their performance moving forward. With McDaniel set to provide more clarity on the quarterback situation soon, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the developments.