Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
The Miami Dolphins are 1-5 and there’s currently some turmoil within the organization.
After the Dolphins’ 29-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa called out teammates for showing up late to players-only meetings.
“I think it starts with the leadership in helping articulate that for the guys, and then what we’re expecting out of the guys,” Tagovailoa said. “We’re expecting this. Are we getting that? Are we not getting that? We have guys showing up to player-only meetings late. Guys not showing up to player-only meetings. There is a lot that goes into that. Do we have to make that mandatory? Do we not have to make that mandatory? So it’s a lot of things of that nature that we got to get cleaned up. It starts with the little things like that.”
On Monday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked about Tagovailoa’s comments. McDaniel didn’t agree with the way Tagovailoa aired his grievances publicly.
“After a loss as the franchise quarterback, that’s not the forum to displace that,” McDaniel said. “I think he knows that now. I do believe there was no ill intention, but you’re talking about a misguided representation of player-orchestrated film sessions.”
McDaniel said that Tagovailoa has reached out to teammates after his comments Sunday at the podium. McDaniel attributed Tagovailoa’s thoughts to being frustrated by losing.
“You’re trying to look for reasons that you can attribute to losses, and heavy is the crown of being a franchise quarterback,” McDaniel said. “What I do know is that he’s directly communicated with a lot of guys, starting with last night. That’s what teammates do. You live and you learn, and ultimately I look at it like everything else. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. Accountability and our team’s performance lies squarely on my shoulders.”
While McDaniel is taking accountability for Miami’s losing season, Tagovailoa shares some of the blame from a production standpoint. Tagovailoa ranks No. 5 with 11 passing touchdowns, but also ranks No. 3 in interceptions thrown with seven. Tagovailoa also ranks low in other categories, including No. 17 in passing yards with 1,213 and No. 21 in Total QBR at 50.1.
McDaniel wasn’t the only person who went on the record disagreeing with Tagovailoa’s approach, center Aaron Brewer spoke out as well.
“Anything that happens within the building or anything we talk about with each other should stay between each other, you know what I’m saying?” Brewer said. “It’s not for the outside world.”
The Dolphins will have no choice but to move on and not let Tagovailoa’s public comments impact locker room chemistry. There may be light at the end of the tunnel, though, with defensive tackle Zach Sieler believing the team is getting closer, not drifting further apart.
“I think we’re stronger now than we ever have been,” Sieler said. “And we’re still working through some things.”
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins have a great chance to get back on track in Week 7 on the road against the Cleveland Browns, who are also 1-5.
“We’re all very motivated to fix our problems and find a way to win,” McDaniel said.
