Dolphins coach mulls benching Tua Tagovailoa amid QB's struggles

[ad_1] NEW Now you can hearken to Fox Information articles!

The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes formally ended with Monday evening’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Dolphins in the end failed to beat an 0–3 begin to the common season, and now greater than a quarter-century can have handed for the reason that franchise final celebrated a postseason victory. Shortly after the 28–15 loss to the Steelers, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel hinted on the risk {that a} main quarterback change might be on the horizon.

Whereas McDaniel initially cautioned that he hoped to keep away from making a "shortsighted" quarterback resolution when requested if he would think about benching Tua Tagovailoa, he later admitted "all the pieces's on the desk," amid the quarterback's uneven season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) stand on the sideline in opposition to the New England Patriots in the course of the second quarter at Arduous Rock Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Sam Navarro/Imagn Pictures)

Tagovailoa completed Monday's sport with 253 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Whereas the 2023 NFL passing yards chief's ultimate numbers regarded adequate, Tagovailoa had simply 65 yards and threw an interception via the sport's first three quarters. He is already thrown a career-high 15 interceptions this season.

Tagovailoa's pair of landing throws did not get on the board till the sport's ultimate quarter.

SUPER BOWL 2026 ODDS: RAMS, SEAHAWKS REMAIN ATOP BOARD; BRONCOS, BILLS RISE

McDaniel pointed to Tagovailoa's gradual begin. "I believe the quarterback play final evening was not ok, and so for me, all the pieces's on the desk," he mentioned.

McDaniel additionally acknowledged the shortage of manufacturing in Miami's passing assault over the previous few weeks. The embattled fourth-year head coach mentioned the Dolphins' passing offense "harm" the staff in Monday's defeat.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) talks to move coach Mike McDaniel throughout coaching camp at Baptist Well being Coaching Advanced on July 28, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports activities)

Tagovailoa shouldered blame, saying he wanted to carry out at the next stage.

"For one, I bought to play higher. I bought to be higher for our guys offensively," he mentioned Monday. "Two, I am fairly dissatisfied with how prepared I bought our receivers, when it comes to operation, when it comes to guys realizing the place to line up, and communication relating to personnel."

"That is one thing I harp to guys after we're in our personal player-led conferences," he continued, "and I felt like I let our guys down in that side."

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) seems to move in the course of the first half of an NFL soccer sport in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 26, 2025, in Atlanta. (Mike Stewart/AP Photograph)

Whereas a choice about Tagovailoa's short-term future may come from McDaniel as quickly as Wednesday, the franchise is financially tied to the veteran signal-caller for the long run. Tagovailoa agreed to a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension in 2024.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Zach Wilson, the No. 2 choose within the 2021 NFL Draft, and rookie Quinn Ewers are the 2 quarterbacks listed behind Tagovailoa on the Dolphins' depth chart.