Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has called for greater commitment from his teammates regarding attendance at player-led meetings, following the team’s disappointing 1-5 start to the season. After a narrow 29-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on October 1, Tagovailoa expressed the need for improvement in various aspects of the team’s preparation, particularly in how players engage with one another.
In a post-game press conference, Tagovailoa reflected on the Dolphins’ struggles, noting that the team has lost four games this season while trailing by just one score in the final two minutes. He emphasized the importance of leadership and accountability, highlighting issues with attendance and punctuality at meetings. “We have guys showing up to player-only meetings late, guys not showing up at all,” he stated, suggesting a need to potentially make attendance mandatory.
Challenges in Late-Game Situations
The Dolphins faced a daunting challenge during the game against the Chargers, entering the fourth quarter with only a 6% chance of winning, according to NextGen Stats. Despite trailing by ten points, Miami rallied to score 14 unanswered points, briefly taking the lead with Tagovailoa’s 7-yard touchdown pass to Darren Waller with just 46 seconds remaining. Unfortunately for Miami, the Chargers responded quickly, setting up a game-winning field goal after a long pass from quarterback Justin Herbert.
Tagovailoa described the loss as a “shock” and acknowledged his own role in the game’s outcome, taking responsibility for his three interceptions. As the Dolphins prepare for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, he stressed the importance of reviewing game footage and addressing the team’s internal issues. “We talk about figuring this out collectively. What are the problems, what are the issues and are they getting fixed?” he remarked.
Coaching and Accountability
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks, a fellow team captain, refrained from commenting on the specifics of the player-led meetings when approached by the media. Head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged Tagovailoa’s concerns but emphasized that accountability has been a priority within the team. “We’ve been very accountable to me,” McDaniel noted, adding that he believes the players have been holding each other responsible for their actions.
Last season, issues with tardiness and absenteeism were prevalent, leading to fines for players that did not yield the desired results. A source familiar with the team dynamics reported that while punctuality was often overlooked during winning streaks, it became a more pressing concern as the team struggled to maintain consistency. Tagovailoa’s comments suggest this issue remains unresolved, particularly as the Dolphins navigate a challenging start to the season.
As the Dolphins move forward, McDaniel reiterated the importance of learning from past mistakes. He expressed optimism about the team’s resilience despite their record. “It’s difficult to lose games in the final minutes, and I was proud of the way they fought back,” he said. “There’s zero victory that would be considered moral, but I think it’s reasonable to expect our best performance at the end of games.”
The Dolphins now look to regroup and address these internal issues as they prepare for their Week 7 matchup against the Browns. The emphasis on accountability and commitment to team meetings may prove crucial in turning the season around.
