Miami lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night, ending the Dolphins’ second straight season without a playoff berth. The defeat in frigid Pittsburgh erased any slim postseason hopes that had briefly revived after a four‑game winning streak that pulled the team out of a 1‑6 start.
Quarterback Concerns Intensify
Tagovailoa threw for just 65 yards through three quarters, and the regression he has shown in decision‑making and mobility was on full display. Over the past three games he has completed 65% of his passes, but he has failed to throw for more than 200 yards twice. His Monday performance included a poor pass that was picked off on Miami’s second possession—his league‑leading 15th interception and a new career high.
Coach Mike McDaniel’s Assessment
“The quarterback play last night was not good enough,” McDaniel said Tuesday, “and so for me, everything is on the table.” He added that he would give “more clarity” on his quarterback decision on Wednesday. McDaniel also noted, “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.”
Standards and Accountability
“The bottom line is, we have to have a certain standard at each position,” McDaniel 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. … Ultimately, we need to have better play at that position.” He went on to emphasize teamwork, stating, “The biggest thing is you have a standard of performance,” McDaniel 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. That means taking care of the football, being able to make plays, move the chains and get the ball to the open guys.”
Season Context and Playoff Drought
With three games remaining, the franchise faces its longest playoff‑win drought in the league. The focus must shift from chasing a late‑season surge to ensuring the team does not repeat a third straight season without a playoff appearance. Tagovailoa’s performance has raised questions about whether he is the best option to win high‑stakes games.
Contract and Performance History
Tagovailoa signed a four‑year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024. He earned that payday after making the Pro Bowl and leading the league in yards in 2023. However, he has not returned to that form and has failed to deliver in big moments, with only three wins in his last 15 starts against teams with winning records.
Alternatives on the Depth Chart
Miami’s other quarterbacks are Zach Wilson, who has been Tagovailoa’s backup most of the season, and rookie Quinn Ewers. The coaching staff is evaluating which of these options can best meet the team’s standards moving forward.
Decision Timeline
McDaniel indicated that he will provide more clarity on the quarterback decision on Wednesday. The upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals will be a key part of the evaluation process.
Key Takeaways
- Tagovailoa’s Monday performance was the lowest yardage and highest interception count of his career.
- Coach McDaniel has placed the quarterback decision “on the table” and will clarify his choice by Wednesday.
- Miami’s three remaining games will determine whether the franchise can avoid a third straight season without a playoff win.
The Dolphins’ playoff hopes were eliminated after the loss to the Steelers, and the team now faces a critical crossroads as it seeks to address its quarterback situation and secure a path to the postseason.
