USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) scrambles against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports| Credit-Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 2, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) scrambles against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports| Credit-Reuters
Tua Tagovailoa and The Miami Dolphins failed to extend their 5-game winning streak any further. Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers at the Levi’s Stadium was no close ran affair either. The 49ers overcame Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins in dominating fashion with a 33-17 win. And to the surprise of many, McDaniels owned up to his mistakes on Sunday.
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Kyle Shanahan came out on top in the battle of the coaches against his former assistant McDaniel. However, Mike McDaniel won the hearts of many when he openly called out his own errors and apologised to Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tua and McDaniel’s offense shut down in the 2nd and 3rd quarters against the league’s no. 1 ranked 49ers’ defense. The Dolphins head coach didn’t even wait for the press conference to apologise.
“I f—— up,” McDaniels told his quarterback and his receivers on the sideline after the loss. The loss brings the Miami Dolphins to an 8-4 record in the season falling behind the Bengals for the no. 1 spot in the AFC wildcard berths.
McDaniel had a point since Tua Tagovailoa and the offense had a pretty decent game
The loss came despite the San Francisco 49ers losing their QB Jimmy Garoppolo in the first quarter to a broken foot injury. Garoppolo will miss the rest of the season and the Niners will definitely take a hit down the road. However, backup QB Brock Purdy did a sufficiently well job with his 2 TDs against the Dolphins. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa also didn’t do that bad. And fans thought Mike owning up shows the necessary humility needed for eventual greatness.
Gotta love Mike, tua didn’t play a great game but still makes sure to not put all of that blame on his QB during the game. Makes sure that confidence is still there. Great coach.
— Vex (8-4) (@VenomVexil) December 5, 2022
Even if that is true, being willing to take blame rather than dumping it on your players is a good quality for a coach to have
— Will Sherman (@willsherman101) December 5, 2022
Every friend group has a guy like this. Everyone loves him but nobody can really tell you exactly why. He's just got that face.
— Alex | al3xbrown.eth (@WebDevLex) December 5, 2022
This is a coach who has clearly gained full respect from his players. You can see from all of those clips of him mic’d up, he can easily relate with and joke around with his players, but also maintains authority. He’s gonna be a good coach for a while
— Taylor Himicke? (7-5-1) (@TressWayForMVP) December 5, 2022
Tua Tagovailoa threw for almost 300 yards with 2 touchdowns. Tyreek Hill also increased his lead at the receiving yard leaderboard this season with 146 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins started the game off in dazzling fashion, scoring a touchdown in the opening play within 10 seconds of the start.
I’m a jets fan and I hate that he is so likeable
— Max Gross (@mr_max_g) December 5, 2022
Pats fan and agreed
— GO PATRIOTS (@LFGpats) December 5, 2022
Too many coaches that would never even think to say this
— BIGMANE THE DON aka MR PUT IT ON (@benkswag) December 4, 2022
Seems like he’s messes up a lot
— Travism10403651 (@Travism10403652) December 5, 2022
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This is a sign of a good coach. Looks himself in the mirror and don’t sugar coat his short comings. Obviously that approach is working. I haven’t seen Miami this good since Marino.
— Shane Paul (@ShanePa56008101) December 4, 2022
However, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa made life quite difficult for Tua and the Dolphins as the game progressed. Bosa sacked Tagovailoa thrice in the game while the San Francisco cornerbacks intercepted the Dolphins thrice. Mike McDaniel knew that it was his play calling that went wrong.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Tua Tagovailoa who couldn’t remember being carted off the field answers an intimate question from his parents
The Dolphins face the LA Chargers next Sunday. However, their main challenge lies after next week when Tua’s men go up against Josh Allen and divisional rivals, Buffalo Bills. Can Mike McDaniel chalk up some new plays and avoid the crucial game-changing turnovers?
