After 16 weeks of the season, it’s not only about winning the games but also staying in playoff contention. And under Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins are still on the bubble. Though their season definitely suffered when Tua Tagovailoa got injured, they have managed to be the 7-8 team after week 16. But the questions remain the same. His chemistry with WR Tyreek Hill is what the fans miss.

During the post-game conference, the QB dived into that aspect and said, “We need reps. Me and him (Tyreek Hill) need more reps. That’s what we gotta do. That’s the secret sauce to me being able to connect with all these guys.” That’s a clear message to the coaches that the practice needs to be more intense, with a focus on passing and finding that connection.

It’s what everyone understands. However, the problem is the time. With a win-loss record of 7-8, they only have two more games. Even if they win, it would take them to 9-8. The Chargers and Broncos already have 9 wins. So Tua Tagovailoa and Mike McDaniel need to sit down together and win the games with a good margin. Of course, the fans would be praying for other teams to lose. Only a miracle can take them through.

However, their O-line has failed overall. Ahead of the week 16, Pro Football Network ranked them 19th in the league. Their QB also missed 4 games because of a concussion. Under all this, the Dolphins head coach is under fire. Things can go wrong when it’s the least unexpected.

However, there has been no such comment from the Phins owner Stephen Ross. But the rumors are spreading about his firing. He has the support of the locker room.

Tua Tagovailoa defends Mike McDaniel

The QB was asked about the criticism that he and the head coach were facing, but he showed a firm stance and said, “Comes with the job, whether you’re a head coach, whether you’re a player and it comes at different types of levels. It is what it is. At the end of day, we just love football. Love to do this, we don’t take for granted.” It shows their great chemistry.

It also shows that NFL Insider Peter Schrager’s claims of the coach being fired might not happen. However, there is a very remote possibility as well. Ross fired Brian Flores after 3 years when no one expected it. But McDaniel’s case is distinct. Apart from Tua Tagovailoa’s support, his record is also not that bad.

Overall, the criticism is over the board. In 2022 and 2023, he took the team to the playoffs. Though he failed this year, expecting him to repeat the results might be too much. The league is extremely competitive. And things don’t always go the way you want them to.