Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Faces Quarterback Decision After Steelers Loss

Miami lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a Monday night game that sealed the Dolphins’ second straight season without a playoff appearance. The defeat forced coach Mike McDaniel to confront the question of whether Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled this season, should remain the starting quarterback.

Monday Night Collapse

Tagovailoa’s performance in the first three quarters was a stark reminder of his recent regression. He threw for only 65 yards and completed 65% of his passes, failing to reach 200 yards in two of the last three games. The most damaging moment came early in the second possession when a poor pass was intercepted, marking Tagovailoa’s 15th interception of the season and a new career high.

“The quarterback play last night was not good enough,” McDaniel said Tuesday, “and so for me, everything is on the table.” The comment came as the Dolphins’ slim postseason hopes slipped away for good in frigid Pittsburgh.

The Quarterback Options

Tagovailoa, who signed a four‑year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024 after a Pro Bowl season and a league‑leading yardage year in 2023, has not returned to that form. He has won only three games in his last 15 starts against teams with winning records, raising doubts about his ability to lead the team in high‑stakes contests.

McDaniel noted that the Dolphins are evaluating all available options. “We’re in the process of game planning for the Cincinnati Bengals,” he said, “so in that process we’re trying to determine who will give us the best chance to win.” The other quarterbacks on the roster include Zach Wilson, who has served as Tagovailoa’s backup for most of the season, and rookie Quinn Ewers.

McDaniel promised more clarity on Wednesday. “The bottom line is, we have to have a certain standard at each position,” he said. “All positions are the same. There’s no one entitled to preferential treatment. And when there’s a better option, it’s my job to attack that.”

The Bigger Picture

The Dolphins’ season has been a roller‑coaster. A four‑game winning streak briefly lifted the team out of a 1‑6 start, but the loss to the Steelers ended that resurgence. With only three games remaining, the franchise, which holds the league’s longest playoff‑win drought, must decide whether to stick with Tagovailoa or make a change.

McDaniel emphasized that the team deserves the best chance to win. “The biggest thing is you have a standard of performance,” he said. “You have 11 guys trying to work together as one. It takes all 11. Oftentimes, heavy is the crown. There’s misplaced blame, and it’s not always one person’s fault. Generally, it’s not one person’s fault. But realistically … the team deserves to have the best chance to win the football game.”

Key Points

• Tagovailoa threw only 65 yards and had a 15th interception, a career high, in the Monday night loss.
• Coach McDaniel has said “everything is on the table” and will provide more clarity on Wednesday.
• The Dolphins are weighing Tagovailoa, Zach Wilson, and rookie Quinn Ewers as potential starters.
• The team’s playoff hopes evaporated after the Steelers defeat, ending a season that began with a 1‑6 record.

Takeaways

• The Dolphins face a critical quarterback decision with three games left.
• McDaniel’s comments signal a willingness to change if a better option emerges.
• Tagovailoa’s contract extension and past success contrast sharply with his recent struggles.

The Dolphins’ future hinges on a decision that could define the remainder of the season. Whether the team sticks with Tagovailoa or looks to Wilson or Ewers, the pressure is on to deliver a performance that restores the franchise’s playoff ambitions.