Miami Dolphins lose to Steelers, ending playoff hopes. Coach Mike McDaniel weighs quarterback options after Tua Tagovailoa’s 65‑yard performance and 15th interception.
The Miami Dolphins were knocked out of the playoffs for the second straight season after a Monday night loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a defeat that left the team scrambling to decide whether to keep quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the spotlight.
In a game that felt more like a test than a contest, Tagovailoa managed only 65 yards through three quarters, a performance that underscored the quarterback’s ongoing struggles and the team’s inability to find rhythm.
Tagovailoa’s season has been a roller coaster. He began 2023 as a Pro Bowl star and the league’s yards leader, earning a four‑year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024. Yet, in the last 15 starts against teams with winning records, he has secured only three victories.
Head coach Mike McDaniel was blunt after the loss. ‘The quarterback play last night was not good enough,’ McDaniel said Tuesday, ‘and so for me, everything is on the table.’
McDaniel indicated that he would provide more clarity on the quarterback decision Wednesday, hinting that the coaching staff is weighing options before the next game.
Miami’s other quarterbacks include Zach Wilson, who has served as Tagovailoa’s backup most of the season, and rookie Quinn Ewers, who could see increased playing time if the coaches decide to shift gears.
McDaniel also noted that the team is in the process of game planning for the Cincinnati Bengals, adding, ‘We’re in the process of game planning for the Cincinnati Bengals, so in that process we’re trying to determine who will give us the best chance to win.’
Tagovailoa’s recent stats reflect a decline: over the past three games he completed 65% of his passes and failed to throw for more than 200 yards twice.
The Monday interception, his league‑leading 15th of the season and a new career high, further highlighted the quarterback’s decision‑making issues.
McDaniel stressed that the team cannot afford to favor any position. ‘The bottom line is, we have to have a certain standard at each position,’ he said. ‘All positions are the same. There’s no one entitled to preferential treatment. And when there’s a better option, it’s my job to attack that. … Ultimately, we need to have better play at that position.’
He added, ‘The biggest thing is you have a standard of performance. You have 11 guys trying to work together as one. It takes all 11. Oftentimes, heavy is the crown. There’s misplaced blame, and it’s not always one person’s fault. Generally, it’s not one person’s fault. But realistically … the team deserves to have the best chance to win the football game. That means taking care of the football, being able to make plays, move the chains and get the ball to the open guys.’
The Dolphins entered the game with a 1‑6 record after a rough start to the season. A four‑game winning streak had briefly lifted hopes, but Monday’s loss in frigid Pittsburgh snapped that resurgence and eliminated playoff contention.
With three games remaining and the franchise holding the league’s longest playoff‑win drought, the focus has shifted to ensuring the team does not finish the season in the same position for a third straight year.
The decision about whether Tagovailoa, who has the contract and recent accolades, or another quarterback will lead the team is now at the center of the Dolphins’ strategy.
McDaniel’s comments suggest that the coaching staff is keeping all options open while evaluating performance, team chemistry, and the need for a standard of play that can drive the Dolphins back into postseason contention.
Key Takeaways
- Tagovailoa’s 65‑yard, 65% completion performance and 15th interception highlight ongoing struggles.
- Coach McDaniel is keeping quarterback options open and will decide by Wednesday.
- The Dolphins’ playoff hopes ended after a loss that snapped a brief four‑game winning streak.
As the Dolphins prepare for their final stretch, the quarterback debate will likely dominate discussions, with the team’s future hinging on finding a player who can deliver the standard of performance the franchise needs.
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