The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 NFL season has faced tough challenges amid a host of injuries. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion issues are a major concern, making fans worry about his health and future on the field.
On top of that, linebacker Jaelan Phillips is out for the season after knee surgery, which weakens the Dolphins’ defense and affects their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
“It’s not one person necessarily, but I am confident in the collective because they’ve given me reason to be confident in their daily output,” coach Mike McDaniel said on replacing a player like Phillips.
The injuries have forced Miami (2-3) to adapt quickly, relying on backup players to step up in a clogged AFC East race. The impact of Tagovailoa’s absence is especially clear, as the team had struggled to find its rhythm without their starting quarterback.
Miami has found it nearly impossible to find a backup quarterback to Tagovailoa, using Teddy Bridgewater, Skyler Thompson, Mike White, and now Tyler Huntley all within three seasons. None of which have found great success in this Miami offense and have actually been at the bottom of the league in offensive statistics especially in these past four weeks.
The difference in the Dolphins’ performance with and without Tagovailoa shows just how important he is to the team. When Tagovailoa plays, Miami has a solid record of 20 wins and 12 losses, demonstrating their powerful offense and strong teamwork.
However, without him, the team’s record drops to just two wins and five losses, highlighting how much it depends on his skills and leadership. This situation makes it clear that the Dolphins need to support Tagovailoa’s health and have a better plan for when he’s not on the field.
The team’s struggles without Tagovailoa are obvious, as their game plan becomes less effective. Opposing defenses can focus on stopping the Dolphins’ run game, making it difficult for the team to score points. This reliance on Tagovailoa shows how crucial he is for Miami’s success this season.
“In order to be a good offense and begin to get our rhythm back you got to have 10-play drives, 17-play drives to be able to keep the defense off the field,” star receiver Tyreek Hill after the team’s Week 5 win against the New England Patriots.
Patiently awaiting Tagovailoa’s return from injured reserve in Week 8, the Dolphins have two opponents with an even or losing record going on the road against Indianapolis Colts (3-3) Sunday, then back home for their matchup with the Arizona Cardinals (2-4). Technically, Tagovailoa, who cannot practice until Oct. 23, could play against the Cardinals.
Both teams have had their fair share of struggles this season as well, with the Colts being 31st in the league against the run while the Cardinals sit at 30th.
When facing quarterback issues, matching up against two teams who have a tough time defending the run bodes well for potential Dolphins’ victories.
Despite these setbacks, there is still belief that the Dolphins can make the playoffs. After all, neither the New York Jets nor Buffalo Bills — who played Monday night for control of first place in the division — have run away with the AFC East yet. And there is a strong desire for the team to not just reach the playoffs but also to win a playoff game, as they have the longest active drought for a playoff victory in the NFL, lasting 23 seasons.
This pressure is building for McDaniel, the third-year coach, and his players. The history of the franchise is adding weight to their current challenges, pushing them to end this long wait.
