The Tennessee Titans, previously winless in the 2024 season, secured their first victory on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins.
For the Dolphins, the loss was an embarrassment, adding to their already shaky start. With just one win under their belt and two more games likely to end in defeat before quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s expected return in Week 8, the outlook for Miami is grim. While the team as a whole was underwhelming, three key figures particularly stood out as part of the problem.
Tyreek Hill: A Missed Opportunity
Tyreek Hill, known for his explosive playmaking ability, didn’t lose the game for the Dolphins singlehandedly—but he didn’t contribute much to winning either. Hill’s dropped passes were noticeable, and his lack of urgency following a backward pass led to a fumble, further hurting his quarterback Tyler Huntley’s already difficult night.
Hill, who has made much more difficult catches throughout his career, was visibly frustrated. However, his nonchalant effort to recover the ball was a glaring mistake. While he may be unhappy with his limited role, Hill must take responsibility for his own lack of effort. Rather than showing frustration on the sidelines, he needs to step up and lead by example.
Offensive Line: Exposing Weaknesses
Rookie Patrick Paul got his first start on the offensive line, and though he performed admirably, the unit as a whole was overwhelmed. Without Tagovailoa’s quick release, the line’s weaknesses were laid bare. The line struggled to both protect Huntley and create opportunities for the run game, leaving the quarterback constantly under pressure.
Chris Grier’s previous insistence that the offensive line was not an issue now appears misguided. The unit’s inability to maintain solid protection has become a recurring issue, and there are no quick fixes available for Miami as the season progresses. The pressure on the line will only increase in the upcoming weeks, and so far, they have shown little capacity to improve.
Mike McDaniel: Coaching Blunders
Head coach Mike McDaniel cannot escape blame for the Dolphins’ struggles. This marks the fourth consecutive week where the team has appeared unprepared for their matchups. McDaniel, known for his friendly and relaxed relationship with players, is running the risk of losing credibility as a leader. His coaching decisions and game preparation have been repeatedly outclassed by opposing teams, and Monday night was no different.
McDaniel’s inability to adjust without Tagovailoa has raised questions about his competence in high-pressure situations. While other teams managed to secure victories with backup quarterbacks in Week 4, McDaniel’s Dolphins faltered against a winless Titans team. If he can’t turn things around soon, his tenure as head coach could be in jeopardy.
Conclusion: A Team in Crisis
The Miami Dolphins are a team in freefall, and while there is plenty of blame to go around, Hill, the offensive line, and McDaniel have been key contributors to the recent failures. The next few weeks will be critical in determining if the Dolphins can salvage their season, but right now, it appears the team is heading toward a complete breakdown. Fans will be looking for answers, and time is running out for these three to step up and make a change.
