The general feeling around the Miami Dolphins after the season’s first two weeks was pure dismay. Coming into the year with questions about the locker room’s synergy and the talent level on the roster, a blowout to the Indianapolis Colts and a game-changing fourth-quarter interception to the New England Patriots sank virtually any hopes the franchise or its fans may have had.
Everyone was being criticized for the team’s state, from general manager Chris Grier to head coach Mike McDaniel, and even quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, after Week 3, the percentage of the blame has shifted heavily towards Tagovailoa. A second consecutive game lost due to an interception in the fourth quarter has made him public enemy number one. However, McDaniel isn’t putting all of it on his QB.
Mike McDaniel Tries to Absolve Tua Tagovailoa for Critical Interception
Last week, an interception with less than two and a half minutes in the game basically lost Miami the game. The score and time may have slightly changed this week, but the end result was the same.
With 4:41 left in the fourth quarter, Tagovailoa attempted a pass to Jaylen Waddle. However, his throw was intercepted by Terrel Bernard, who returned the ball for 24 yards, setting up a field goal to give the Buffalo Bills a 31-21 win.
After remaining competitive for over 55 minutes, it was a gut-wrenching way to lose the game. However, unlike the previous two weeks, the major culprit was the Alabama alum, with fans praising McDaniel for his game management earlier at night.
Speaking at the press conference after the game, though, the former offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers wasn’t willing to pile all the blame on Tagovailoa exclusively. Instead, he believed it was a collective mistake from the offense that caused the interception.
“The QB has to be responsible for it. However, I wish I could just put it on him. But I think it’s a tough job to do when there’s someone in your face. Everybody needs to do better.” The rest of the NFL world wasn’t as kind to Tagovailoa.
🎥 Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa’s game-sealing interception: “The QB has to be responsible for it, however, I wish I could just put it on him. It’s a tough job to do when there’s someone in your face. Everybody needs to do better.” (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/HcjI8GuHms
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) September 19, 2025
Former linebacker turned analyst Emmanuel Acho had some scathing remarks about the pick, claiming it was Day 1 stuff that the quarterback had messed up. Additionally, he believed it was time for the Dolphins to blow the entire operation up and start afresh.
On the night, Tagovailoa finished with 146 yards and two touchdowns against that costly interception. For a team that is supposed to hang its hat on the offensive side of the football, it was another subpar performance from a player earning like one of the best quarterbacks at an annual rate of $53 million.
Like McDaniel said, it might not have been his fault entirely. However, as the team leader who plays the most important position in the sport, Miami has to expect better performance from the former Pro Bowler.
