We’ve laid out the math. The Miami Dolphins are very long shots to return to the playoffs for the third straight year.
But that’s largely irrelevant after six losses in seven games. The more immediate focus for Mike McDaniel? Simply putting a win on the board for the first time in a month Monday in SoCal. The Dolphins are one-point underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams, and if they lose Monday night, they would probably need to win out to get into the dance.
Yet there’s reason to believe this is the week they will finally break through. The offense has been the best it’s been all season in the two weeks since Tua Tagovailoa returned from injured reserve.
And if they do, it’ll be to some degree due to truth-telling that has gone on privately in team HQ over the last two months.
Mike McDaniel’s Message During Miami Dolphins’ Losing Streak
McDaniel said Thursday that it’s important not to have “false hope” when things are not going well. But he’s seen real improvement in important areas even in losses, which gives him optimism his team truly can turn it around down the stretch.
“I live in real hope, which is how are people’s games getting better? Are we getting better?” McDaniel said.
“Does that mean it’s up to standard or that losses are acceptable? Absolutely not,” he continued. “[But] I think the team is focused on trying to have a game where they feel like their brand of football was mastered. I think the football team knows that when that occurs, things will take care of themselves in the win column.”
McDaniel said he’s been energized by Dolphins players taking individual accountability and initiative during the latest three-game losing streak. His belief, rightly, is that if you take care of the little things, the big things will follow.
The Dolphins have also made personnel changes. Anthony Walker Jr. replaced David Long Jr. at standup linebacker last week after Long was exposed in coverage the week before.
Raheem Mostert has already lost his RB1 job to De’Von Achane. If he fumbles again, he might slide even more down the depth chart.
But all the effort and focus in the world is ultimately meaningless if you play well for 59+ minutes and then lose on a final-minute field goal, as was the case in each of the last two weeks.
The Dolphins are close. But they need to get over the hump — which McDaniel rightfully acknowledged Thursday.
“Ultimately, the game is about winning,” he said. “I think that’s fair. You tirelessly work at not obsessing about the false sense of, ‘hey, we’re, we’re gonna win this week.’ No. What are you gonna do about it? How are you going to affect the change?
“We’ve had a lot of hard conversations that ultimately have been very necessary,” he added. “And in that process, ultimately you have to win in this league. But you have to take care of your business, through the entirety of the preparation, coaches and players included. Then ultimately you do have to win football games. That’s the whole idea. We’re working to improve that.”
They have nine more chances beginning Monday.