Despite being benched in the fourth quarter following a dreadful 31-6 loss at Cleveland on Sunday, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is sticking with Tua Tagovailoa as the team’s starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.
“He’s going to take the snaps this week, and he’s going to be a starter this week, and I expect we’re not going to throw 10 picks,” McDaniel said during a press briefing Monday.
Tagovailoa produced a career-worst passer rating of 24.1 on Sunday, completing 12 of 23 attempts for 100 yards. For the second straight game, he threw three interceptions and is tied for the league lead with 10, with Geno Smith of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The six-year veteran, who led the league with 4,624 passing yards in 2023, was benched midway through the fourth quarter and replaced by rookie Quinn Ewers.
The quarterback and head coach reviewed the film together Monday morning.
“In this case, I thought it was important for us to look at the offense together,” McDaniel said. “So we watched the passing game together this morning and had direct communication about the ebb and flow of the game and how we can get better for each other.
“Because for me, when you experience a performance like that, I don’t consider that everything depends on a player or a coach. It’s a working relationship and we both have to improve because it’s not enough.”
Tagovailoa has totaled 1,313 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Miami (1-6) has lost three straight games for the second time this season.
–Field level media
