The Miami Dolphins saw their push for a positive season falter as they dropped to 6-8 following a tough 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. Despite several opportunities handed to them by the Texans, Miami couldn’t capitalize, setting off alarm bells about the team’s offensive capability. The defeat highlighted ongoing concerns with the quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, whose performance is increasingly under scrutiny.
Tagovailoa had a game to forget, racking up a career-high four turnovers that included three interceptions and a costly strip-sack that Houston returned for a touchdown. The narrative surrounding Tagovailoa has been one of high performance against weaker teams but difficulties surfacing when the stakes rise against top-tier competition.
This game served as another example of that trend, as his decision-making under pressure continues to be a focal point. Quick passes have often veiled his struggles, with a significant 79% of his completed passes this season traveling less than 10 yards.
Yet, the deeper throws, those critical plays of 10 yards or more, have been troublesome, accounting for six of his seven interceptions this season.
The repercussions of these offensive struggles are starting to ripple back to head coach Mike McDaniel. Known for his offensive acumen, McDaniel faces increasing pressure to turn the tide and one potential solution lies in the quarterback position. The upcoming NFL Draft in 2025 offers a possible course correction with the emergence of Cam Ward.
Keeping talent local, Ward presents an intriguing option for the Dolphins. He brings a distinct athleticism to the table—something that could augment the ground game by leveraging his rushing prowess. During his 2024 season, Ward proved his mettle by displaying commendable leadership, often rallying his team, the Miami Hurricanes, from deficits.
Ward’s arm strength enables him to make challenging throws from various angles, showcasing his ability to perform on the move with accuracy. This past season, he completed 67.4% of his passes, accumulating 4,123 yards, and 36 touchdowns against seven interceptions.
While there’s room for improvement in his pre-snap reads and adjustments, McDaniel’s offensive genius could harness Ward’s raw talent, pushing him to reach his potential. With the existing talent pool that the Dolphins possess, Ward just might be the catalyst the offense needs to elevate their game and stabilize McDaniel’s stint with the team.