MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins are not changing their head coach or starting a quarterback rotation.
For now.
That could change if things don't improve on the field, as the Dolphins fell to 1-6 after Sunday's lopsided and disjointed loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game that was highlighted by another poor performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa turned the ball over three times for the second straight game and was replaced by rookie Quinn Evers in the fourth quarter.
After Evers impressed during practice and won the backup job over Zach Wilson, coach Mike McDaniel said Monday they will compete for the No. 2 spot this week. But the coach stressed there is no doubt about who Miami's starter is.
“He's going to take snaps this week and he's going to be our starter this week,” McDaniel said of Tagovailoa, who is tied with Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions.
“And I expect we won't take 10 picks,” McDaniel added.
In his sixth year, Tagovailoa appeared to have regressed from his 2023 form, when he led the league in passing yards and threw a career-high 29 touchdown passes.
He has three turnovers in three games this season, and his passer rating on Sunday (24.1%) was the worst per game of his career.
“Definitely not happy or proud of where I'm at with my game, the way I've handled things this year,” Tagovailoa said. “I know I need to get a lot better, and I've been better in past years with the Miami Dolphins. But it's not last years, it's this year.
“Just trying to maneuver everything and trying to put together a group of guys that I can take with me, and I have to be able to multitask, if that makes sense. To be able to do that while still getting what I had last year and previous years to get going again. And get into that flow.”
Questions about McDaniel's job security have resurfaced since the loss, but NFL Network reported Monday that Miami owner Stephen Ross has no plans to make any changes right now.
McDaniel, who has repeatedly declined to comment on his job, spoke with Ross after Sunday's game, as he does every week.
“From a standpoint of integrity, I refuse to delve into this world of speculation while I'm currently in this position. I think it's irresponsible,” McDaniel said. “…In terms of talking to Mr. Ross, I talked to him right after the game. We talked about the game. There was a lot to talk about in that particular game, in that walk. I definitely didn't expect it to go the way it did.”
What works
The only bright spot on offense was once again running back De'Von Achane. With the Dolphins getting virtually nothing out of the passing game, Achane averaged 6.3 yards on 13 carries for 82 yards. He also had three catches for 16 yards.
What needs help
Tagovailoa noted that the Dolphins' offense hasn't gone smoothly. In addition to players being confused by some moves, teammates were not lining up properly in the crowd, which slowed down the pre-filming process. It's been an ongoing problem under McDaniel, who said the Dolphins may consider changing their style of play.
“Everything is on the table,” he said, “when you go to a game you fully know that you have the opportunity to win, but you will be dealt a very, very humiliating defeat.”
Stock up
Evers. The rookie won the backup over Wilson after what McDaniel said was a good week of practice. Evers entered Sunday's game after Tagovailoa threw his third interception and completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards.
Stocks fell
Jonah Savaiinaya. The rookie cornerback had a solid block that allowed Achana to get open on a 46-yard run in the first, but it was otherwise a terrible start to Savaiina'i's NFL career. He is one of the lowest-rated cornerbacks in the NFL and has struggled with his technique and footwork through the first seven games of the season. Sawayinaya lost Browns cornerback Mason Graham late in Sunday's game, resulting in a big blow to Evers.
Injuries
TE Darren Waller has a pectoral injury that could sideline him in Week 8.
Key figures
McDaniel's regular season record as Miami coach is 29-29.
Next steps
It won't get much easier for the Dolphins moving forward, starting with Sunday's trip to Atlanta.
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