Dolphins’ McDaniel Roasted by NFL Fans for Struggles Without Tua in Loss to Titans
The Miami Dolphins’ struggles continued on Monday as they lost to the previously winless Tennessee Titans 31-12.
With Tua Tagovailoa still on the injured reserve, the Dolphins’ offense was sluggish. Quarterback Tyler Huntley had just 96 passing yards and Miami mustered just 106 yards on the ground as the Dolphins played conservatively compared to the high-powered offense fans grew accustomed to last season.
Titans’ starting quarterback Will Levis suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter of the matchup, prompting Tennessee to bring in backup Mason Rudolph under center. Even with its starting quarterback sidelined for most of the game, Tennessee had no trouble with Miami.
After the loss, fans voiced their frustration towards head coach Mike McDaniel, claiming he’s incapable of managing on offense with Tagovailoa off the field.
Simon Clancy @SiClancy
Mike McDaniel is doing about as bad a coaching job as it’s possible to do in the NFL at the moment. People say that he was the one that saved Tua. The last few weeks it looks more and more like it was the other way round.
𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙨🐬 @FinsPhanatics
Retweet if Mike McDaniel should give up play calling
Louis @hashtag_whiskey
The biggest problem I see is Mike McDaniel is having a hard time dialing his offense back to fit the needs of a back up QB. <br><br>We saw sparks of what Huntley is good at in this last drive, but 3 penalties for illegal shifts is on the play caller.
A Fan With A Mic @AFanWithAMic
I think Mike McDaniel might need to be relieved of his duties.
C. Staying In Storrs Hall @CtopherHall
Play calling inexcusable tonight for Mike McDaniel and staff. I’ll never understand throwing it 4-5 yards behind the line or scrimmage when it’s 3 & short. He did it all night long. Did not put his team in a position to win. Hot seat has been activated….
Steve Park @stevepark0
This Dolphins loss is solely on Mike McDaniel. He refused to call any plays downfield and out his team in a whole. Absolutely inept play calling and coaching.
Optimistic Fraudfins Fan @phins_fan44
So disappointed in Mike McDaniel. I expected so much more.
Zach Langley @langleyatl
Mike McDaniel just willingly ran the clock out down two possessions?? 😭<br><br>Awful coaching
Breeze @6breeze_
Mike McDaniel Offense Without Tua <a href=”https://t.co/ZiZ2s0RaHV”>pic.twitter.com/ZiZ2s0RaHV</a>
BigHiltz @HiltzyBaby
I love when they pan to Mike McDaniel and he looks shocked as if he’s not the guy calling the plays.<br><br>Shocked not throwing downfield is yielding zero results
Bill Palmer @BillPalmer23
I don’t care what the personnel situation is for Miami, this east-west playcalling from Mike McDaniel hasn’t worked for a minute, and he won’t abandon it. Stinks.
Unfortunately for McDaniel, he’ll be without his star quarterback for at least two more games. By placing Tagovailoa on the injured reserve following his scary concussion in Week 2, the Dolphins committed to being without him until at least late October, though he could always end up missing more time than that.
In the meantime, McDaniel will need to figure out how to get things done without Tagovailoa on the field.
Even though it is missing Tagovailoa, Miami still has one of the best receivers in the league in Tyreek Hill and another strong option in Jaylen Waddle. Those two are capable of making plays downfield no matter who is under center, and McDaniel might want to consider getting them more involved moving forward.
Following Monday’s loss, the Dolphins will have the chance to bounce back against an AFC East foe in the New England Patriots. Now sitting at 1-3 on the year, it’s fair to say that matchup will be a crucial one.