Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a mission to save his team’s season. He made his pledge known following an embarrassing loss that brought the Dolphins’ record to 1-5 thus far this year. In a stunning performance over the weekend, Tagovailoa was responsible for three turnovers. In all cases, he accepted blame for any missteps and highlighted the need for accountability from everyone on his staff.
The Dolphins’ mountain to climb was tallest when it seemed worst, down one score with less than two minutes left. This is the fourth time this season that they have pulled in a place like this. Despite the mounting pressure, Tagovailoa managed to complete a 7-yard pass to Darren Waller with only 46 seconds remaining in the game. Though unsuccessful, the Dolphins had the right idea in trying to pin Kansas City back there. With the fourth quarter fast approaching, ESPN Analytics had them at just 7% to win.
Following the game, Tagovailoa told reporters, it’s just fixing a lot of those little things. He thinks these moves are necessary to improve the team’s competitiveness going forward. He noted the importance of being present at player-led meetings. He is confident that reminding his team of this important element will build more camaraderie and proficiency among his teammates.
“I think it starts with the leadership in helping articulate that for the guys and then what we’re expecting out of the guys,” – Tua Tagovailoa
Fins head coach Mike McDaniel followed Tagovailoa’s lead on wanting to be held accountable. He mentioned that player-led meetings are an essential piece of the pie, but that’s outside of his immediate call to action as a coach. McDaniel–now in his second year helping to lead the Commanders’ coaching staff–recognized communication as a foundation for team culture and greater morale and success on the field.
“It sounds like there was something on his mind in regard to the specific meetings with a couple individuals that he was trying to get corrected … with direct communication.” – Coach Mike McDaniel
Both Tagovailoa and McDaniel cited the players’ determination as a good sign despite their failures. Even with their struggles so far, Tagovailoa believes they have a lot of room to become the team they want to be.
“We’ve been very accountable to me,” – Coach Mike McDaniel
Tagovailoa was adamant after their recent loss that they’re not looking for moral victories in losses. He announced that their only priority should be getting ahead. He stated, “The only place we can go is next week,” emphasizing the urgency for improvement as they prepare for their next match.
What the Dolphins have endured this season is incomprehensible. Roster changes, like this offseason’s trade of star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers, have compounded their situation exponentially. They have overcorrected with this decision by leaving a significant hole in their defensive arsenal. In turn, they’re getting pushed around on offense and defense.
Tagovailoa and McDaniel are only focused on the future. These are leaders who understand that self-reflection and accountability will be key to moving past their current struggles. The quarterback reiterated the necessity of reviewing game film to identify areas for improvement, stating, “We’ve got to look at the film again, we’ve got to see where we can go.”
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