Miami Dolphins Summary

The Miami Dolphins faced a tough defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals, losing 45-21 at Hard Rock Stadium on December 21, 2025. The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw for four touchdown passes, managed to score 28 points in the second half, turning a close game into a rout.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed frustration with the team's performance, particularly highlighting the struggles of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who stepped in for Tua Tagovailoa, who was benched due to a series of uninspired performances.

Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards, but the Dolphins were unable to keep pace with the Bengals, who dominated in the latter half of the game. The loss not only marked a significant setback for Miami's playoff hopes but also raised questions about the future of both Tagovailoa and McDaniel within the organization, with reports suggesting that Tagovailoa's time in Miami may be coming to an end while McDaniel could remain as head coach despite the disappointing season.

Additionally, opinions from various analysts suggest that the Dolphins have not utilized Tagovailoa effectively, leading to speculation about the team's direction moving forward.