Tua Tagovailoa and 2 more Dolphins to blame for Week 16 loss to Packers

1. Dolphins to blame: Mike McDaniel

As much as Mike McDaniel has been the benefactor of an elite Miami Dolphins offense, he must also live with being the face of its downfall.

While the skill position players have done their job, the failure of Tagovailoa over these last four weeks to remain calm and solidify Miami’s position in the AFC playoff picture is yet another sign of McDaniel’s lack of experience. Tagovailoa shouldn’t have to be composed in this position. His head coach, though, needs to be at his side, giving him solution-based feedback.

Tagovailoa is not the kind of player who can make more than a few reads, at best. The reason he has taken such a firm step forward this season is because of McDaniel, and the players around him.

When Tua struggles, McDaniel needs to make it easier for him. That includes what can be a solid rushing attack, especially lead back Raheem Mostert. Yet, Mostert got just nine career, and Jeff Wilson just eight — one of which went for a touchdown.

Yet, with just 18 carries for 82 yards, McDaniel didn’t do that. He allowed three straight possessions to end in Tagovailoa interceptions. To some extend, that is on him.