The Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is focused on number 24. However, this number isn’t related to the Phins cornerback Cam Smith, who wears the 24 jersey number. Instead, it’s McDaniel’s version of the team that he believes can help them reach the playoffs.

However, according to former NFL scout turned podcast host, John Middlekauff, this isn’t going to help McDaniel and his team. Apart from that, there is another problem with the team which is holding it back from winning the championships.

What is the problem underlying with the Dolphins?

In his recent podcast episode, John Middlekauff discussed Dak Prescott’s leadership for the Dallas Cowboys. However, in the middle of the discussion, he cited an example involving Tua Tagovailoa, and Mike McDaniel’s winning chances. The host commented on McDaniel’s “24-minute rule,” which involves starting every meeting at the 24th minute of the hour. Middlekauff expressed doubt that this approach would make a significant difference.

He said, “I don’t believe Tua is capable of. All of a sudden the Dolphins are in the AFC Championship Game, McDaniel can put every meeting at the 24th minute of the hour. Mike, none of that matters. If that’s your quarterback, none of it matters…” Middlekauff believes that the success of the team ultimately hinges on the quarterback, not on unique strategies or meeting schedules.

Nevertheless, when it comes to McDaniel’s, for him ‘24’ is important because of a very important reason.

Mike McDaniel’s ‘24’ isn’t just related to meetings?

The Dolphins haven’t been to the playoffs since 2000. So, this ‘24’ represents the 24 years of Miami’s playoff drought. However, a bigger issue is that his team has failed to progress past the first playoff round in the last two seasons due to late-season collapses. For example, last year’s failure happened because they lost their lead in the AFC East, resulting in an away game loss in Kansas City instead of hosting a playoff game. This year, the Dolphins need to return to the playoffs and advance beyond the first round, or owner Stephen Ross might consider making significant changes.

McDaniel is determined to end the playoff drought, having made the playoffs in his first two seasons but without a postseason win. Last season, the Phins won 11 games but lost 4 of their last 6, including a three-game losing streak. McDaniel is addressing this by integrating the number 24 into various team activities, like scheduling meetings at 12:24 p.m., to emphasize finishing strong. He believes focusing on this number will help the team handle playoff pressure and succeed. Despite his efforts, the Dolphins have a 4-10 record in December or later during McDaniel’s first two seasons, including two playoff losses.

So, will McDaniel’s ‘24’ number help Miami win, especially when it’s the 2024 season this time?