The Miami Dolphins‘ season reached a new low point on Sunday as head coach Mike McDaniel benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during a 31-6 defeat to the Cleveland Browns.
The decision came in the midst of one of Tagovailoa‘s poorest performances of the year and further exposed the Dolphins‘ mounting struggles in a disappointing 1-6 start to the 2025 campaign.
Tagovailoa completed only 12 of 23 pass attempts for 100 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions.
His final mistake – a poorly thrown pass from deep in his own territory that was nearly returned for a touchdown – prompted McDaniel to immediately signal for a quarterback change.
Rookie Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick from Texas, entered in relief and finished with 53 yards on 5-of-8 passing.
The Dolphins‘ offense, once known for its speed and efficiency, appeared directionless throughout the game. Repeated turnovers and a stagnant passing attack allowed Cleveland to dominate from start to finish.
For a team expected to contend for a playoff spot, the loss underscored the sharp decline in both execution and morale.
McDaniel signals accountability across the team
After the game, McDaniel acknowledged that major changes could be imminent if performances do not improve.
“If you are negatively affecting the football team routinely, I don’t have a choice but to assess a different player,” he said. The coach added that no player or coach was “clean” from responsibility and promised a full evaluation of every position.
Tagovailoa‘s benching came just one week after he drew criticism for publicly calling out teammates who had missed meetings, a comment he later apologized for.
Although McDaniel has not confirmed whether the quarterback will retain his starting role moving forward, his postgame remarks indicated that the team’s patience is waning.
The 2025 season was expected to mark a continuation of Miami‘s rise under McDaniel, who had revitalized the team’s offense since his arrival. Instead, persistent turnovers, defensive lapses, and locker-room frustration have eroded confidence.
The Dolphins now face questions about leadership and accountability at every level, including whether the current quarterback-coach partnership can survive the team’s downturn.
Tagovailoa has no complaints
Tagovailoa, once seen as the long-term face of the franchise, admitted his recent play has not met expectations.
“I’m not proud of where I am right now,” he told reporters after the game. His statement reflects the growing pressure surrounding his performance, as speculation mounts that McDaniel could turn to Ewers or another option if struggles persist.
For now, the Dolphins are entering a critical stretch of the season with their postseason hopes all but gone.
How the team responds – whether by rallying behind its embattled starter or beginning a transition under center – will determine the direction of McDaniel‘s tenure and the future of Miami‘s offense.
Sunday’s benching was not just a reaction to one poor outing; it symbolized a breaking point for a franchise that must rediscover its identity before the season slips away entirely.
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