The Patriots (13-3) enter Sunday’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins (7-9) having secured their first playoff berth since 2021. But with a victory against Miami and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Los Angles Chargers, New England could also secure the AFC’s top seed and a first-round bye.

Focusing on those stakes was made more difficult after legal cases against receiver Stefon Diggs and defensive lineman Christian Barmore surfaced this week.

Diggs is facing strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef. Barmore is facing a domestic assault and battery charge after his girlfriend told police he threw her to the ground in August. The NFL is reviewing the cases, but both are eligible to play this week.

“It’s definitely an open case, so I can’t even say anything about it,” Diggs told reporters Friday.

Barmore said he was keeping his mind on the field. “I’m focused on Miami. I’m focused on playing football,” he said.

Coach Mike Vrabel believes the team has done the best it can to balance giving those situations the necessary attention while also focusing on the game.

“We’ve taken the allegations very seriously, and what comes of that, I think then we’ll have another discussion,” Vrabel said. “But I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now and let the process take its toll.”

Quarterback Drake Maye said the team has taken its cues from Vrabel. The biggest advice the coach has offered is to let Diggs and Barmore speak for themselves. That said, Maye said he’s available for any of his teammates if they need him.

“I’m going to support them anyway I can, support my teammates, and I love those guys,” Maye said. “Those two, really everybody, I’ve really got a good relationship with. And I feel like whatever they need from me, I’m here for them.”

Miami arrives in New England looking to play the role of spoiler, while also getting a jump on the future with rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers set to make his third consecutive start since Tua Tagovailoa was benched.

The Dolphins are trying to avoid being swept by the Patriots for the first time since the 2016 season.

Coach Mike McDaniel said he’s avoided letting feelings interfere with his decision-making regarding Tagovailoa’s status.

“It’s my job to be able to make tough decisions. Getting personal about decisions that have a lot of consequences for individuals in the collective whole, I take my job too serious to really allow myself to go there,” McDaniel said. “Generally the tough things, that’s what I signed up for and that’s what people are counting on me to be able to do.”

Defending the schedule

The Patriots have only had one victory over a team (Buffalo) that entered the final week of the regular season with a record above .500.

That equates to the 10th-easiest schedule since the 1970 NFL merger, and has drawn criticism as they prepare for the playoffs.

It’s not something that has bothered Maye, however.

“We play who’s on our schedule, and we can’t control that,” he said. “Just trying to go out there and win. A lot of these teams that we do play are good, and they’re in the National Football League for a reason.”

Achane’s spark

De’Von Achane continues to be a spark for Miami’s offense and was voted the Dolphins’ most valuable player for the 2025 season.

The third-year running back leads the NFL in rushing average (5.7) and ranks fifth in rushing yards (1,350). Achane was also named to his first career Pro Bowl, making him the ninth Miami running back to earn the honor.

Achane’s speed and shiftiness were well documented when he played at Texas A&M, but Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has praised his vision and ability to maintain his balance after contact for extra yardage.

“Every time he shows up against an opponent, top of their agenda is to stop him,” McDaniel said. “And he can feel that the guys are trying to tattoo him and tackle him with aggression. When you’re able to combat that with successful, definitive, decisive action, his contact balance has improved.”

Campbell, Williams on track to return

The Patriots could get a boost with starters on both sides of the ball in line to return from stints on injured reserve.

Left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) both practiced all week. Campbell has missed the past four games, while Williams sat out the previous five.

Williams’ return is particularly key for a New England run defense that has allowed 146.8 rushing yards per game while he was out. The Patriots allowed 84.7 yards over the first 11 games with Williams in the lineup.

QB signing

The Dolphins signed former North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller to the active roster off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad Thursday.

Miller led the Bison to their 10th Football Championship Subdivision title last year, throwing for two touchdowns and running for two more in his 54th consecutive start as North Dakota State’s quarterback. The Raiders selected him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Miller isn’t likely to get any extended game action Sunday, but the young quarterback was signed to get acclimated with the team for the offseason.

Waller will miss the Dolphins’ regular-season finale at New England on Sunday, ending his lone season in Miami with 24 catches for 283 yards and six touchdowns — tied for seventh most among tight ends — in nine games.

The Dolphins are also dealing with injuries to several other key players entering Sunday’s game.

Veteran linebacker Jordyn Brooks, the NFL’s leading tackler, is dealing with a hamstring injury but will likely try to play. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will be sidelined for the third straight game with a calf injury. Running back De’Von Achane, Miami’s best offensive playmaker this season with an NFL-leading 5.7 yards per rush, has not practiced this week because of a shoulder injury.

If Achane can’t play, the Dolphins will turn to Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon.

“You utilize all of your players, including your entire running back room and give them opportunities that they probably otherwise wouldn’t have,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said.

Edwards entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with the New York Jets in 2025. He played collegiately at Michigan, rushing for 2,251 yards on 422 carries with 19 touchdowns in 14 career starts.

Miami also released cornerback Clarence Lewis from the practice squad.

Aikman, who led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins and is now an ESPN analyst, isn’t expected to remain with the organization beyond their GM search, ESPN reported. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel welcomed the outside help.

“I’m not opposed to more information, ever,” McDaniel said Friday morning, adding that he was previously informed by Dolphins ownership of the decision. “I think Troy Aikman speaks for himself in terms of his relationships that he’s had within the National Football League, and (he) knows a lot of things. That information is a positive to me.”

The Dolphins fired longtime general manager Chris Grier on Oct. 31 after a 2-7 start to the season. McDaniel has remained head coach despite questions about his job security, and Miami is 7-9 entering Sunday’s regular-season finale at the New England Patriots. Dolphins senior personnel executive Champ Kelly has been Miami’s interim general manager.

Aikman has been in the broadcast booth since he retired from a 12-year career during which he made six Pro Bowls and threw for more than 32,000 yards.

He called Miami’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 15 and was highly critical of McDaniel’s fourth-quarter decision-making and clock management.

“This is about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in quite a long time,” Aikman said during the broadcast, as McDaniel and the Dolphins showed little urgency while trailing by multiple scores.

“So you’re telling me he didn’t like us not scoring points and taking up too much time,” McDaniel said Friday. “Neither did I. That was not the intent. And he’s doing his job. … Doesn’t bother me in the least. As a matter of fact, I think it would be funny if it did.”

“I’m going to start with a couple of players deserving of game balls,” McDaniel said. “Rookies no more.”

McDaniel then rattled off several members of the Dolphins’ rookie class who played key roles in the victory.

With Miami already eliminated from playoff contention, the final games of the season have provided extended opportunities for young players. On Sunday, the Dolphins got meaningful contributions from their rookies — an encouraging sign as the franchise looks toward the future.

“I think we’ve been heavily reliant upon the rookie class,” McDaniel said. “It was very calculated, the types of people that we brought in for the reasons of needing to be able to be professional football players at the NFL level. It is not always an easy task for someone coming straight out of (college). You go out of your college play, you go into training for the draft and then you go from training for the draft right into NFL football.

“I think our group today exhibited one of the reasons why we felt good about the entire class right after the draft.”

Quinn Ewers, a rookie seventh-round pick, threw two touchdowns with no interceptions in his second career start and again appeared to show calmness and sound decision-making.

Ewers’ first touchdown was a 63-yard toss to fellow rookie Theo Wease Jr., an undrafted free agent who signed with Miami earlier this year.

“I think we’ve done pretty well,” Ewers said of Miami’s rookie class. “The way that we all came in together and built a relationship, being in the hotel together, hanging out outside of football — that chemistry only helps us. It’s been fun to watch the growth of these rookies on the team, including myself.”

Ewers also has showed unusual poise and leadership for a young player, his teammates noted. The 22-year-old challenged the team last week to remain motivated during the final games of the season despite not being in the postseason hunt.

“You’re inherently a leader when you’re a quarterback, so to me, he’s passionate about football,” McDaniel said. “Don’t let the Texas twang in his speech fool you. This dude is very, very, very smart, very on it, and he’s very comfortable when he’s playing the position. You can see that.”

All eight of Miami’s 2025 draft picks played on Sunday, in addition to three undrafted rookies. Ewers, defensive tackles Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips and offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea started.

Rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round pick, recorded his first career interception in the second quarter, picking off Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield on an underthrown downfield pass and returning it 24 yards. Marshall also recorded five tackles, a tackle for loss, two pass breakups and three special teams tackles.

Zeek Biggers, another seventh-round pick, blocked kicker Chase McLaughlin’s 55-yard field goal attempt late in the second quarter, marking the first time a Miami rookie blocked a field goal since Vincent Taylor at Baltimore on Oct. 26, 2017.

“I think it was a great game to see a lot of guys step up and make some plays,” veteran defensive tackle Zach Sieler said. “Obviously we all know, we’re not going to sugarcoat it, we’re not making playoffs, but to see guys go out there no matter the conditions and just play their best ball and show no quit … It’s been exciting to see these young boys grow up and look forward to keep playing and keep growing up.”

What’s working

Establishing the run game was a point of emphasis for the Dolphins to take some pressure off Ewers and set up the play action. That worked on Sunday, with Miami recording 145 yards rushing. De’Von Achane had 18 carries for 83 yards, and Jaylen Wright added 56 yards on five carries.

What needs help

Third-down efficiency. The Dolphins moved the ball well enough, but they went 4 for 12 on third down. They’re 6 for 22 on third downs over the past two games.

Stock up

TE Greg Dulcich. He has been increasingly important in the passing game since being elevated to the active roster from the practice squad in October. Dulcich caught five passes for a season-high 58 yards and an 11-yard touchdown pass.

Stock down

WR Jaylen Waddle. He did not record a catch for the first time this season and played only 14 snaps. Waddle was limited by a rib injury suffered in the second quarter.

Injuries

S Minkah Fitzpatrick missed his second straight game with a calf injury. … LB Chop Robinson is in the concussion protocol.

Key number

10 — The numbers of games this season in which Achane has recorded 100-plus scrimmage yards — he had 112 on Sunday — which is tied for second most in a single season in franchise history.

Next steps

The Dolphins visit New England in next week’s regular-season finale.

Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns, including a 63-yard toss for his first career score, and the Dolphins beat the slumping Buccaneers 20-17.

“We didn’t deserve it,” Evans said. “They played like they had a chance at the playoffs, and we played like we were ready to go home.”

The Bucs (7-9) remained one game behind the Carolina Panthers (8-8) in the NFC South after the Panthers’ 27-10 loss to Seattle on Sunday. The Buccaneers would still clinch their fifth consecutive division title and sixth straight playoff berth if they beat Carolina in next week’s regular-season finale to force a two-way tie.

If Tampa Bay, Carolina and Atlanta all tie at 8-9, the Panthers would win the division.

But Tampa Bay has lost four straight games, seven of its last eight and has barely looked like a playoff team during that stretch. The Buccaneers’ last four losses have all been by one possession.

“Everything is possible, and you’ve always got a chance to play,” Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. “We just need to put it together and play, and that takes work. We work hard. We do it right in practice. Can’t explain it in the game, but we definitely as coaches and as players got to look ourselves in the mirror.”

Despite three turnovers and being outgained 145-53 on the ground Sunday, Tampa Bay pulled within three after a three-play, 91-yard drive that Baker Mayfield capped with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Evans with 54 seconds left.

A busted coverage by the Dolphins defense led to a 59-yard reception by Chris Godwin that set up the score, but Miami recovered the ensuring onside kick to end Tampa Bay’s comeback attempt.

“You go through the first drive, really move the ball well, they don’t seem to have an answer for what we were doing schematically,” Mayfield said. “After that it’s the momentum shift. When you are playing a team that they’ve got nothing to play for besides incentives, when you give them a little juice and momentum, that’s how they’re going to respond.”

Mayfield completed 33 of 44 passes for 346 yards with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Godwin on the game’s opening drive. The former No. 1 pick has thrown an interception in each game of the Buccaneers’ losing streak, including two on Sunday. The first was an underthrow to receiver Jalen McMillan that was picked off by rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr.

The second came as the Buccaneers were driving down the field midway through the fourth, trailing by 10. Mayfield, one play after somehow escaping a sack attempt by Quinton Bell and completing an 11-yard pass to Evans, threw a red-zone interception to safety Ashtyn Davis.

After the Buccaneers forced a Dolphins punt, linebacker Bradley Chubb stripped Mayfield on a sack, which Bell recovered.

Ewers completed 14 of 22 passes in his second career start for the Dolphins (7-9). Rookie receiver Theo Wease Jr. took Ewers’ first TD pass 63 yards into the end zone, and tight end Greg Dulcich caught an 11-yard scoring pass.

“We’re not playing for a Super Bowl, but we did a really good job of coming out here and playing for each other,” Ewers said, “playing for our last names and playing for the organization. Showing that when adversity strikes, we’re going to respond.”

Running back De’Von Achane had 18 carries for 83 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry against Tampa Bay’s seventh-ranked run defense.

The Buccaneers took an early lead on a 16-play touchdown drive on their first possession of the game but gave up 17 straight points before Chase McLaughlin’s 33-yard field goal cut the deficit to seven points in the fourth.

McLaughlin had connected on 11 straight field goals from 55-plus yards entering Sunday but had a 55-yard attempt blocked late in the second.

Ewers led the Dolphins back down the field to set up Riley Patterson’s 33-yard kick that pushed the score to 20-10.

Injuries

Buccaneers: G Michael Jordan (concussion) and LB Haason Reddick (concussion) left and did not return. … CB Jamel Dean (shoulder) left early in the fourth.

Dolphins: LB Chop Robinson (concussion), LB Jordyn Brooks (hamstring) and LB KJ Britt (groin) left with injuries. … WR Jaylen Waddle was playing through a rib injury.

Up next

Buccaneers: Host Carolina next weekend.

Dolphins: At New England next weekend.

Ewers looked calm and operated Miami’s offense well in his first NFL start on Sunday, replacing the benched Tua Tagovailoa in hopes of offering a spark for Miami’s passing game. Ewers got off to a productive start, completing 10 of his first 12 passes before the Dolphins unraveled in the second half of an eventual 45-21 rout against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“I thought he earned some opportunities to continue to develop,” Miami coach Mike McDaniel said. “I was happy (with) how he handled the position. That’s not easy. I think that’s what’s frustrating, is it would be a lot better if it was on the rookie quarterback, but I don’t think it was.”

It was far from a perfect debut for the rookie seventh-round pick. Ewers threw two second-half interceptions but finished with 260 yards and led three touchdown drives while not taking a sack. The Dolphins were outscored 21-0 in a lopsided third quarter that featured three turnovers and a failed fourth down conversion.

“I thought that we played well as an offense,” Ewers said. “It’s one of those games where you thought you did a good job, but it just doesn’t translate over to the scoreboard. … The turnovers are going to do that to you, but man, it’s just what an opportunity to get out there on the field with those guys that we’re just going to build on.”

Ewers added he felt he had a good grasp of the offense despite barely taking any first-team snaps this season and appreciated the confidence his teammates had in him.

“I just love challenges,” Ewers said, “so I’m going continue to strive forward, continue to put the work in, continue to grind, continue to build relationships with these guys. It’s football at the end of the day. We’ve played it our entire lives. Now we just do it on a little bit bigger stage, so just try not to make it bigger than it is and continue to grow as a quarterback and as a person.”

What’s working

The Dolphins were moving the ball well in the first half thanks to some timely third down conversions from Ewers to tight end Darren Waller, who finished with three receptions for 40 yards.

What needs help

Second-half issues have hurt the Dolphins all season. They’ve collapsed on defense for two straight weeks and turned the ball over on four straight drives Sunday — a fumble, interception, turnover on downs and interception — which the Bengals turned into touchdowns.

“It’s not good enough,” McDaniel said. “You have to be able to come out from halftime and adjust. We aren’t executing that at all. So back to the drawing board and all things are on the table for that.”

Stock up

DE Zach Sieler. The veteran defensive tackle did not have a sack until the 10th game of the season, but he now has 4 1/2 sacks in his past three games, including one of the Bengals’ Joe Burrow on Sunday.

Stock down

WR Theo Wease Jr. The rookie was activated off the practice squad for the game but had a rough outing. He was flagged for offensive pass interference on Miami’s first possession of the third quarter, wiping out a 31-yard catch-and-run by De’Von Achane. He was also the intended receiver on Ewers’ first interception, which was deflected and caught by Bengals linebacker Barrett Carter.

Injuries

S Minkah Fitzpatrick was inactive because of a calf injury. … WR Dee Eskridge is dealing with a toe injury suffered in the third quarter.

Key number

12 — The number of scoreless third quarters the Dolphins have had this season.

Next steps

Several Dolphins players said they’re still playing for pride and will carry that mindset into next Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Through his Hand-Off Foundation, Dolphins legend John Offerdahl is trying to make a big difference in the community by providing nutritious meals to homebound seniors.

And, at his Off the Grill restaurant in Lighthouse Point, Offerdahl oversees each and every prepackaged meal that is delivered to the seniors.

“The whole, amazing thing about our senior meals is that they’re made fresh. No other provider in the state of Florida makes fresh, home delivered meals; they all make frozen,” said Offerdahl. “This is the chicken we use in our restaurant, and this is high-quality food. I think our seniors, basically, if they don’t get nutrition, their ability to live independent and in our community versus in an institution is minimized, so nutrition is huge, but another component to what we do is relationships.”

Relationships like the one Offerdahl with 93-year-old Barbara Mundy, a former teacher who spent decades in the Broward County school system.

“Let me tell you what we’re gonna give you from a home-delivered meals perspective: We’re going to give you five fresh dinner meals, dinner entrées, and an array of bagels, egg sandwiches and all that stuff,” Offerdahl told Mundy.

Offerdahl and his wife, Lynn, began the nonprofit Hand-Off Meals for Seniors in 2023. With an army of volunteers, they continue to prepare and deliver the free meals to the elderly.

“We do 450 to 500 clients. Each client gets 10 meals, so that’s for 4,000 to 5,000 meals a week,” said Offerdahl.

For Mundy, the visit from Offerdahl and his wife has created a special bond that goes beyond just delivering her much-needed meals.

“What goes with it, filters down from Lynn and John, which is a feeling of, oh, what’s the word? Not only compassion, but a feeling of generosity, and it brings the world into me as a person that lives alone. This is a different angle on the joy that I have at 93,” said Mundy.

“We all have grandparents, parents, peers who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s, and to feel like you’re helping a vulnerable population, and not only with sustenance, but also with relationship, you know, it brings you back, brings you back to your family,” said Offerdahl.

Mundy also happens to be a huge longtime Dolphins fan.

“This is the star of the Dolphins team, back when I had a brain in the ’80s, and he played football beautifully, and he hit the line hard,” said Mundy.

Volunteers are needed to help prepare and deliver those meals. If you’re interested in lending a hand, click here.

Miami has already been eliminated from the playoffs for the second straight season. And for the second consecutive game, the Dolphins unraveled in the third quarter, undone by the costly mistakes that have plagued them all year.

NFL Network reported earlier Sunday that owner Stephen Ross is expected to stick with McDaniel in 2026 despite another season of unfulfilled expectations for the Dolphins, who hold the NFL’s longest playoff win drought at 25 years.

“The focus for me as a head coach, there is plenty to focus on,” said McDaniel, declining to say if he’s been told that he’s coming back next season.

“I don’t spend my time thinking about the job I already have,” he added. “I try to do it to the best of my ability, and I have work to do to get our third quarters right. We’re not going to have any time to waste because there’s going to be a hungry Tampa (Bay) team that we’re going to face in a week. My focus is there, and everyone depends on me to have my focus there.”

McDaniel, who has faced questions about his job security all season, was much more willing to voice his frustration about the Dolphins’ poor second half. Miami turned the ball over four times, leading to four Bengals touchdowns.

“I’m just very, very frustrated and angry about this continued third-quarter thing,” McDaniel said, “where it appears … really the dam breaks and all of a sudden we play a different style of football. The way I look at it is I’m furious because I’m allowing it to happen. It starts with me. While I’m up here after games, you probably won’t get much other finger-pointing besides I need to get it fixed.”

Last week’s loss at Pittsburgh ended the Dolphins’ postseason hopes, and it also became clear that McDaniel would have to make what he described as a tough decision to bench struggling quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for rookie Quinn Ewers.

After naming Ewers the Dolphins’ starter earlier this week, McDaniel said he was looking for conviction from the quarterback position.

In his first career start, Ewers provided Dolphins fans — some of whom put brown paper bags on their heads as the game got out of hand — a look at what he can add to the Dolphins’ passing game.

Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and led three scoring drives. He appeared calm operating Miami’s offense and showed his ability to extend plays with his legs, something the Dolphins were missing with Tagovailoa this season.

“It didn’t feel fast to me,” Ewers said. “During the week I thought we did a good job of keeping our eyes on the play clock and not getting in the rhythm of practice. Like, ‘Hey, it’s just practice. We’re going to continue on to just go through the motions.’ But we had a play clock on me during the week, which I think helped a lot. It felt good to be out there. Didn’t feel fast.”

Ewers appeared more rattled in the second half, throwing a pair of interceptions, but McDaniel did not critique the rookie’s second-half performance too much because of the way the team unraveled.

Tagovailoa was Miami’s emergency third quarterback behind Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson. He stood on the sideline with a clipboard, giving Ewers pointers and celebrating after positive plays.

“He was good. Super encouraging to me and all the guys,” Ewers said. “He’s in a tough position in that spot. … I’ve been there, and I know how he feels. I thought he did a really good job of helping me out on the sideline and continuing to talk to those guys and continuing to encourage those guys.”

The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback made that clear on Sunday, after he threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-21 rout of the Miami Dolphins.

“Not playing football is not fun,” said Burrow, who recently suggested he wasn’t enjoying himself during an injury-plagued season, then followed it up with a listless performance against Baltimore. “Sitting in the locker room, rehabbing all day, that’s not why you do it. This is why you do it right here.”

Burrow rebounded from his first time being shut out, and the Bengals put together one of their most complete games of the year, despite having little at stake. Miami (6-9) and Cincinnati (5-10) were both eliminated from playoff contention last week, but the teams insisted they were still motivated for the final three games of the season.

“This is the situation we’re in,” Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said. “This is what we can control. After the season we’ll have a chance to reflect back on things that we’ve got to do differently.”

Cincinnati held a 17-14 halftime lead before blowing the game open with 28 points off four straight Dolphins turnovers.

Burrow carved up Miami’s defense, completing 25 of 32 throws with a 146.5 passer rating before being replaced by veteran Joe Flacco early in the fourth quarter. On a play that summed up his afternoon, Burrow evaded pressure and zipped an off-script pass across his body to a wide-open Drew Sample. That set up Samaje Perine’s 4-yard TD run late in the second quarter.

“That’s how it’s supposed to look like,” Burrow said. “That’s what it’s supposed to feel like. We’ve got to keep that feeling going these next couple of weeks.”

Two of Burrow’s touchdown passes went to running back Chase Brown, from 9 and 5 yards out. Brown, who finished with 66 yards rushing and 43 receiving, also had a 12-yard touchdown run. All of Brown’s TDs came in the third, making him the first player this season with three scores in a single quarter.

Ja’Marr Chase caught nine passes for 109 yards. Tee Higgins had an athletic 9-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. And former Dolphin Mike Gesicki added a 17-yard TD before doing the Griddy in front of his old team.

“Everybody needs to hold themselves accountable,” Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb said. “We’ve been in this same position all year. We have to figure out a way and hold ourselves to a higher standard. We’ve got two games to figure it out.”

Making the first start of his career, Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers led two scoring drives before throwing a pair of interceptions as Miami unrivaled in the second half for the second straight week.

“I was calm and I was ready for the opportunity at hand,” Ewers said. “Felt like I had a great grasp of the game plan and felt like I had the confidence of the guys around me. I was fired up to get back out there on the field.”

Ewers, who completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards, was named Miami’s starter earlier this week. Tua Tagovailoa was benched following last week’s poor performance at Pittsburgh, in which he threw his league-leading 15th interception.

Ewers, a seventh-round pick out of Texas, has hardly taken any first-team practice reps, instead running the scout team most of the season. That didn’t matter much to coach Mike McDaniel, who indicated his standard has not been met from the quarterback position and felt Ewers could provide a spark.

Ewers got off to a strong start Sunday. He was 10 of 12 in the first half and was decisive and effective on play-action.

Tagovailoa, who led the league in passing in 2023 but has not played up to the four-year, $212.4 million contract extension signed in 2024, was Miami’s emergency third quarterback behind Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson.

Injuries

Bengals: CB DJ Turner II (illness) and TE Cam Grandy (left clavicle) left in the second half.

Dolphins: WR Dee Eskridge (toe) left in the third quarter.

Up next

Bengals: Host Arizona next Sunday.

Dolphins: Host Tampa Bay next Sunday.

Now that he’s been benched by the Dolphins, Tagovailoa’s future in Miami is uncertain. The Dolphins (6-8) will take a look at rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers over the final three games. They haven’t won a playoff game since January 2001, the longest drought in the NFL.

The 27-year-old Tagovailoa hasn’t lived up to the $212.4 million, four-year contract extension he signed after leading the NFL with 4,624 yards passing in 2023 and guiding the Dolphins to 11 wins and a playoff berth.

Trading Tagovailoa will be difficult because of his contract. He’s due $54 million guaranteed next season. If the Dolphins somehow found a trade partner before March 13, they would incur a dead cap hit of $45.2 million. A trade after March 13 would result in a $60.2 million dead cap charge.

Releasing Tagovailoa before that date means the Dolphins would owe him $54 million in 2026 and would absorb $99.2 million in dead salary cap charges. That would be the largest in NFL history. Denver took an $85 million cap hit after releasing Russell Wilson in 2024 and spread the charges over two seasons.

Releasing Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation would allow the Dolphins to spread those cap hits over two seasons with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and the remaining $31.8 million in 2027.

A release would seem to be the most likely outcome. The Broncos overcame that cap hit from Wilson’s release, made the playoffs last season and currently have the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The Dolphins could get creative by adding draft picks to entice a team to make a trade. That would require finding a team that has cap space to take on Tagovailoa’s large contract.

Of course, Miami could choose to keep Tagovailoa as a backup like Atlanta did with Kirk Cousins this season.

The expectation is Tagovailoa will be wearing a new uniform next year.

He’s only 27 years old, has made a Pro Bowl and posted a passer rating above 100 in each of his three previous seasons before tossing a league-leading 15 interceptions this season.

Tagovailoa also has a history of concussions so that could be a deterrent.

Several quarterbacks who were first-round picks have revived their careers after getting a fresh start with a new team. The list includes Baker Mayfield, Jared Goff and Sam Darnold.

Here are five potential landing spots for Tagovailoa in 2026:

New York Jets

They’ve never defeated Tagovailoa, going 0-7 against Miami when he starts. The Jets need a franchise quarterback and will likely draft one in the first round. But Tagovailoa could be an inexpensive bridge quarterback with low risk, high reward potential. If he’s released, the Jets could sign him for the veteran minimum while the Dolphins pay him $50 million-plus to go away.

Cleveland Browns

They’re in the same position as the Jets but also have two rookie quarterbacks they’ve tried out this season. Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel was 1-5 in six starts. Fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders is 1-3 going into his fifth start this week.

Las Vegas Raiders

They need a franchise quarterback and have been a franchise that isn’t afraid to take risks. Tagovailoa plays better in a warmer climate so that’s a fit. The Raiders will also likely draft a quarterback in the first round.

Pittsburgh Steelers

They took a chance on Wilson last year and have Aaron Rodgers this season. He’s 42 and could retire. Even if he returns for a season, the Steelers need a quarterback for the future. Tagovailoa could learn plenty from watching Rodgers for a season.

Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray’s contract will be tough to trade unless maybe they swap him for Tagovailoa. Murray will be entering the third season of a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension, averaging $46.1 million per year. He’s due $36.8 million guaranteed next year.

The Miami Dolphins quarterback hasn’t started a game in almost a year, when Ohio State beat his Texas Longhorns in a College Football Playoff semifinal. That was months before Ewers was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Dolphins.

Since then, the three-year Texas starter has spent much of his time buried on Miami’s depth chart. That changed Wednesday morning, when coach Mike McDaniel announced that Miami was benching struggling starter Tua Tagovailoa in favor of Ewers for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Definitely have been through a lot leading up to where I am now,” Ewers said. “At Texas, shoot, even in high school, I think that’s all led me to where I am right now. And I just lean back on my faith and that foundation that I think I’ve done a good job to build up and leaning into that.”

The Dolphins (6-8) and Bengals (4-10) were both eliminated from the postseason with losses in Week 15, but both teams have insisted there’s still motivation with three games left in the season.

“Any time you get the opportunity to strap up the pads … and prove your worth through all the hard work that you’ve put in, that’s what we’re all trying to do,” said Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow. “We have three opportunities to do that.”

The Bengals made the playoffs in two of Burrow’s first three seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2021 and AFC championship game in 2022, but they haven’t made the postseason since. The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000 — the longest drought in the NFL — and have missed the postseason in two straight seasons.

McDaniel said Ewers’ decisiveness and confidence give Miami “the best chance to win” on Sunday given Tagovailoa’s struggles, which include throwing a league-leading 15 interceptions this season.

Zach Wilson, who has been Miami’s No. 2 quarterback most of the season, will back up Ewers. Tagovailoa will be the emergency third quarterback.

“At the end of the day that’s our jobs, me and Zach, and any backup quarterback in the NFL,” Ewers said, “is to be ready when your name is called. I think I’ve done a good job of studying even though I’m not getting any reps with the ones prior to this week. I think I’ve done a good job showing them that.”

Ewers has primarily taken scout team reps all year. He replaced Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss to Cleveland in Week 7, which was his only action this season.

“He’s getting thrown in there in (Week 16) with basically one week of practice as a starter,” Burrow said. “It’s certainly not the easiest situation to be in, but that’s the situation you can find yourself in.”

Burrow recently sparked questions about his future amid his own struggles this season. The quarterback experienced the first shutout of his career in a loss to Baltimore last week and has been picked off four times in the last five quarters.

“I like playing football, for the same reasons that I wanted to push to come back from injury,” said Burrow, who missed nine games because of a turf toe injury and is 1-2 since his return. “Same reasons I want play this week. It feels like everybody’s trying to do everything in their power to make me not play football, and I feel like I’m fighting it. I’m fighting everybody else. I just want to play ball. That’s all I want to do.”

Defensive woes

Cincinnati’s defense has had positive stretches of play over the last four games, but the Bengals are ranked last in the league in overall defense, last against the run and in scoring.

After Baltimore’s Derrick Henry rushed for 100 yards last week, the Bengals have allowed six 100-yard rushers this season.

Their 157.9 yards allowed per game is the most in the league and on pace for third-highest in franchise history. The 5.34 average yards per carry allowed is on pace for fifth-highest in the league dating to the 1970 merger.

Leaning on the run

The Dolphins run game was limited to just 63 yards against the Steelers last week, but Miami still leads the NFL in rushing yards per game (166.4) since Week 10.

Getting the run game going could take some pressure off Ewers, who said he wants to play “less frantic” than he did in his limited snaps earlier this season.

“The best way we can help Quinn is to make sure we’re ready to contribute in the run game, pass protection, routes, whatever that is to support him in his opportunity here,” said Dolphins running backs coach Eric Studesville. “It’s our opportunity as well as his.”

Dolphins players react

Center Aaron Brewer, a Dolphins captain, said he supports McDaniel’s decision to go with Ewers and praised the rookie’s playmaking skills.

“I believe it was the right decision,” Brewer said. “I feel like the coach always (has) the best interest for the team.”

LB Bradley Chubb said he spoke with Tagovailoa to offer encouragement immediately after the decision.

“A lot of great quarterbacks have been benched before, then came back and had career arcs that people still talk about,” Chubb said. “His story is far from over. It’s just about how he handles it.”

Miami also signed linebacker Andre Carter II to the practice squad and released tight end Tanner Conner from it.

With the Dolphins being eliminated from postseason contention with Monday night’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, waiving Judon figures to give the veteran a chance to sign with a contender while allowing the Dolphins to turn their focus to the future with an eye toward younger talent.

Miami fell 28-15 at Pittsburgh, closing the door on its playoff hopes with three games left in the season.

Judon, 33, signed with the Dolphins in August. He had 19 tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup in 13 games (three starts).

Woodard has appeared in one career game with Houston after entering the league as an undrafted free agent with Seattle in May. He spent part of the offseason program and training camp with Houston in 2025 before being signed to the team’s practice squad.

For now, the former first-round draft pick said he will contribute in whatever way he can despite his disappointment with how this season has gone.

“Disappointed,” Tagovailoa said at his locker about coach Mike McDaniel’s decision to demote him for Ewers. “I mean, I’m not happy about it, but it’s something out of my control.”

The decision came after Tagovailoa struggled in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which eliminated Miami (6-8) from postseason contention. Ewers, a seventh-round pick by Miami earlier this year, will make his first career start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, McDaniel said Wednesday.

Zach Wilson, who has been Miami’s No. 2 quarterback most of the season, will back up Ewers. Tagovailoa will be the emergency third quarterback.

“Naturally I’d say I’m disappointed,” Tagovailoa said. “I think it’s normal. It’s a normal human emotion. But outside of that, I’ve got to do my part. My role here right now is to help whoever the quarterback is going to be for this team.”

McDaniel said the decision came down to who he felt gave the Dolphins the best chance to win. Miami fell 28-15 at Pittsburgh on Monday night, closing the door on its playoff hopes with three games left in the season.

Tagovailoa threw for just 65 yards through three quarters on Monday, and the areas in which he has appeared to regress were evident again, from questionable decision-making to a lack of mobility that has hampered him throughout the season. He leads the NFL with 15 interceptions and hasn’t played up to his contract after signing a four-year, $212.4 million extension in July 2024.

Ewers was 5 for 8 for 53 yards in his only action this season in a lopsided loss to the Browns in October. He was the 231st player selected in the draft last April after starting three seasons at Texas.

“I’m super thankful that the staff believes in me to go out there and give us an opportunity to go win an NFL football game,” Ewers said. “And I know going back on it, telling my 10-year-old, 12-year-old self the opportunity that I have in front of me, he’d be pretty stoked.”

Tagovailoa was drafted by Miami after winning a national championship during a successful college career at Alabama, and he was expected to be the key piece that would end years of disappointment for the Dolphins, who have the league’s longest playoff-win drought.

That didn’t happen.

Tagovailoa instead struggled on the field his first two seasons under former Miami coach Brian Flores and was benched several times as a rookie. Rumors churned then about Miami’s intention of moving on from the quarterback.

The Dolphins fired Flores and replaced him with McDaniel for the 2022 season, and Tagovailoa later said that McDaniel built him up after Flores tore him down as a young player.

“I don’t coach with pessimistic forecasts,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “I coach to try to reach people. I believe in the players that are on the team. My job is to react and respond to situations. And when I have the conviction that a change needs to be made, I need to take action and not trivialize any game.

“These are players with a finite career. There’s games to be played in front of fans that paid to see them.”

The 27-year-old Tagovailoa had started every game this season but has a history of concussions. He missed six games last season because of a concussion and hip injury after playing 17 games in 2023. He led the NFL in yards passing that season, helped the Dolphins win 11 games to earn a wild-card spot and earned a big contract that included $167.2 million guaranteed.

Tagovailoa said he didn’t think his injury history contributed to his regression this season. His 15 interceptions are a career high, he is on pace to finish the season with his worst passer rate (88.5) since his rookie season, and he has failed to throw for more than 200 yards in eight of his 14 starts. Before this year, he hadn’t had more than three such games in a season since 2021, his first year as a starter.

“I would say the biggest thing, and it’s being honest with myself as well, had been my performance,” Tagovailoa said. “I haven’t been performing up to the level and the capabilities that I have in the past.”

Tagovailoa declined to say whether he felt this decision would affect his future with the team.

A total of $54 million is guaranteed for 2026. The Dolphins would incur significant hits to the salary cap by releasing Tagovailoa. Releasing him next year would result in a $99 million dead cap charge. If the move is designated as a post-June 1 release, those charges are split over two years, with $67.4 million allocated to the 2026 cap and $31.8 million in 2027.

The Denver Broncos took the NFL’s all-time biggest cap hit of $85 million for releasing Russell Wilson in 2024.

It’s unclear if the Dolphins will stick with Ewers beyond Sunday. They close the season at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and at New England.

“In Tua’s shoes, it’s tough,” Ewers said. “I was benched in the middle of a game last year. So I mean, I know how he feels, and it’s a bad feeling.”

Tagovailoa threw for just 65 yards through three quarters, and the areas in which he has appeared to regress were evident again, from questionable decision-making to a lack of mobility that has hampered him throughout the season.

“The quarterback play last night was not good enough,” McDaniel said Tuesday, “and so for me, everything is on the table.”

McDaniel said he would give “more clarity” on his quarterback decision on Wednesday. Miami’s other quarterbacks are Zach Wilson, who has been Tagovailoa’s backup most of the season, and rookie Quinn Ewers.

“We’re in the process of game planning for the Cincinnati Bengals,” McDaniel said, “so in that process we’re trying to determine who will give us the best chance to win.”

The Dolphins’ slim postseason hopes slipped away for good in frigid Pittsburgh on Monday — this after a four-game winning streak had briefly resurrected their season hopes and pulled them out of the 1–6 hole they dug to start the year.

There are three games left, but for a franchise carrying the league’s longest playoff-win drought, the focus should immediately shift to making sure they don’t find themselves in this same position for a third straight season.

That begins with answering the question of whether they are best suited to win high-stakes games with Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in July 2024, or someone else.

Tagovailoa earned that big payday after making the Pro Bowl and leading the league in yards in 2023, but he has not returned to that form and has failed to deliver in big moments, with three wins in his last 15 starts against teams with winning records.

McDaniel, who has mostly avoided criticism of his quarterback, indicated Tuesday that his expectations from that position have not been met.

“The bottom line is, we have to have a certain standard at each position,” McDaniel said. “All positions are the same. There’s no one entitled to preferential treatment. And when there’s a better option, it’s my job to attack that. … Ultimately, we need to have better play at that position.”

Over the past three games, Tagovailoa has completed 65% of his passes and failed to throw for more than 200 yards twice. On Monday, he threw a poor pass that was picked off on Miami’s second possession — his league-leading 15th interception and a new career high.

“The biggest thing is you have a standard of performance,” McDaniel said. “You have 11 guys trying to work together as one. It takes all 11. Oftentimes, heavy is the crown. There’s misplaced blame, and it’s not always one person’s fault. Generally, it’s not one person’s fault. But realistically … the team deserves to have the best chance to win the football game. That means taking care of the football, being able to make plays, move the chains and get the ball to the open guys.”

What’s working

Nothing that had fueled the Dolphins’ four-game winning streak worked on Monday. They couldn’t run the ball despite previously producing four straight games of at least 150 rushing yards. The passing game was nonexistent. Miami’s defense had a strong start, forcing punts on Pittsburgh’s first three drives, but unraveled as the game went on.

What needs help

Even when the Dolphins were having success running the ball, McDaniel noted that a defense would eventually find a way to slow the Dolphins’ rushing attack, forcing them to win with the passing game. The Steelers did that on Monday, limiting Miami to 63 yards rushing, but when the Dolphins needed their passing game to carry them, Tagovailoa and the offense couldn’t generate enough through the air to sustain drives.

Stock up

TE Darren Waller. After being held to three catches over the previous two games, Waller caught seven passes for 66 yards and Miami’s only two touchdowns.

Stock down

McDaniel. The Dolphins failed to play with any tempo or pace late despite trailing big in the fourth. The lack of urgency was criticized by ESPN’s Troy Aikman, who said on the broadcast he was “flabbergasted” by McDaniel’s decision to waste so much time then try an onside kick and call a timeout in the waning minutes.

“This is about as ridiculous a fourth quarter as I’ve seen in quite a long time,” Aikman said.

Injuries

S Minkah Fitzpatrick is week-to-week with a calf injury. McDaniel said the injury does not appear season-ending.

Key number

14 — The number of consecutive games the Dolphins have lost when the temperature at kickoff was 40 degrees or lower.

Next steps

With the playoffs now officially out of reach, the Dolphins will turn their attention to the future, perhaps seeing which of their young players could be key pieces to build around. The Dolphins have a lot of inexperienced players on their roster who could potentially get increased reps over the next three games, starting with Sunday’s matchup against Cincinnati.

Frigid conditions. High stakes. The number of games dwindling.

During the four-time MVP’s long run with the Packers, this was the time of year that Rodgers thrived. And while Pittsburgh is not Green Bay and the 2025 version of Rodgers is not quite the 2015 version, he offered a reminder on Monday night against Miami that there’s still life in his 42-year-old right arm, and in his maddeningly hot-and-cold team.

Rodgers passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh kept its grasp on the top spot in the AFC North with a clinical 28-15 victory over the Dolphins, who were eliminated from playoff contention.

While Rodgers wasn’t quite in what he called a “flow state,” he certainly looked comfortable while becoming the oldest quarterback in league history to complete at least 85% of his passes. Rodgers connected on 23 of 27 against the Dolphins, including third-quarter touchdown throws of 19 yards to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and 28 yards to DK Metcalf.

“I think he’s the best quarterback to ever play this game,” said Valdes-Scantling, who played alongside Rodgers with the Packers and signed with Pittsburgh’s practice squad earlier this season. “I don’t care if he’s 65 years old or not, he can still spin the ball and he’s always playing chess with the defense.”

Throwing short passes that got the ball out of his hands quickly, Rodgers was fine working underneath and letting Pittsburgh’s skill position players do the work. Running back Kenneth Gainwell had 126 total yards, including a team-high seven receptions. Metcalf’s touchdown catch — he shoved former Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick out of the way en route to the end zone — came on a pass between two defenders that echoed Rodgers in his prime.

The Steelers (8-6) maintained their one-game lead over Baltimore in the division with three weeks to go. As spotty as Pittsburgh has looked at times, everything remains on the table as Christmas approaches.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been a part of stuff like this,” said Rodgers, who last made the playoffs in 2021. “Nothing changes. It’s just, I feel real comfortable in this environment.”

Done Dolphins

Miami (6-8) saw its slim playoff hopes vanish in the chill as its four-game winning streak was snapped. The Dolphins prepped by practicing in the snow at nearby Robert Morris University over the weekend, but it didn’t help.

While Miami took a 3-0 lead during a sluggish first half on Riley Patterson’s career-long 54-yard field goal, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense had no answer once Rodgers heated up.

Tagovailoa completed 22 of 28 passes for 254 yards with two garbage-time touchdowns to Darren Waller and his NFL-leading 15th interception. De’Von Achane, who had powered Miami’s recovering from a 1-6 start, ran for 60 yards and caught six passes for 68 more but was a nonfactor during the middle portion of the game, when the Steelers scored touchdowns on four straight possessions to remain unbeaten at home on Monday nights since 1992.

Tagovailoa remained winless in games where the temperature at kickoff was under 40 degrees. Miami had minus-20 yards of total offense in the third quarter.

“It’s disapppointing we didn’t get the outcome we wanted to, and everything that goes on with the playoffs,” Tagovailoa said. “When you start the season the way we did, we made it hard on ourselves.”

Winning without Watt

Pittsburgh won for the second time in 13 tries without outside linebacker T.J. Watt during the perennial All-Pro’s nine-year career. Watt is out indefinitely after having surgery to repair a collapsed lung sustained during a dry-needling treatment last week.

For a night anyway, Watt’s absence didn’t matter. Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward paid tribute to his teammate after collecting one of Pittsburgh’s four sacks. The 36-year-old Heyward stood up and attempted to emulate Heyward’s signature leg kick, though Heyward said he probably didn’t get his leg up high enough.

“We’ve got all the confidence in our guys to go out there and play a hell of a game,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “Obviously they did.”

It helped that Asante Samuel Jr. thwarted an early Miami drive with an interception, his first for Pittsburgh after joining its practice squad in October, six months after neck surgery.

“It’s a blessing (to get a second chance),” Samuel said. “You can’t take nothing for granted. None of the hard days. None of the long days. You just take everything and appreciate it.”

McDaniel’s future is murky

The Dolphins’ improved play of late solidified — temporarily, anyway — coach Mike McDaniel’s status. With the playoffs out of reach, Miami will turn its attention to the future, one that might not include the bespectacled 42-year-old whose idiosyncratic approach may be wearing thin.

“We have three (more) opportunities with this team,” McDaniel said. “I think really the character of the locker room has been tested all year. My expectation is that we’re going to bounce back regardless of how much it hurts.”

Injuries

Dolphins: RB Ollie Gordon II left in the second quarter with a left ankle injury. … Fitzpatrick went down in the third quarter with a calf injury.

Steelers: LG Isaac Seumalo exited in the third quarter with a triceps injury and did not return. … OLB Nick Herbig was evaluated for a hamstring injury late.

Up next

Dolphins: Host Cincinnati on Sunday.

Steelers: At Detroit on Sunday.

“I always feel like I got something to prove,” Tomlin said. “Not necessarily to anyone in particular. That’s just the spirit in which I go about what I do professionally.”

A spirit that has served Tomlin well throughout his nearly two-decade-long run in Pittsburgh, and one that hasn’t been lost among those who have watched Tomlin from afar, though Miami coach Mike McDaniel will get an up-close look on Monday night when the Dolphins (6-7) visit the Steelers (7-6).

“I think (Tomlin’s teams) play physically every year, regardless of what the nameplates are, and they find a way to play sound football and they become pretty hard to beat,” McDaniel said. “So you know, I think that’s by and large what the last two decades have taught us, is being able to inspire a group of individuals to come together and win more than they lose. I think within that there’s a lot of pride in the organization and the team.”

Just two weeks ago, the Steelers’ season appeared on the verge of spinning out of control following a dismal home loss to Buffalo that dropped Pittsburgh into a first-place tie with Baltimore atop the AFC North and led a portion of the fans who stuck around until the end to call for Tomlin’s firing.

All the Steelers did was respond by beating the Ravens on the road to restore their division lead and offer a reminder that they are dangerous, even if they’re rarely dominant.

While Tomlin’s critics are quick to point out the team hasn’t won a playoff game in eight-plus years, Pittsburgh has also never bottomed out. Tomlin’s next losing season will be his first and as jagged as the Steelers have been over the last three months, they’re also right where they expected to be despite a midseason funk in which they dropped five of seven and looked overmatched against quality teams.

“It’s easy when, if you lose a few games, to fall into selfish cliques and do stuff like that,” Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “And our guys don’t do that. Our guys just figure out, ‘Hey, how can we work hard to figure out a way to get us out of this rut and keep moving forward?’”

It’s been much the same in Miami. This year, anyway.

The Dolphins appeared in disarray following an ugly 2-7 start that cost general manager Chris Grier his job. McDaniel’s job status seemed tenuous at best — and still may well be — but Miami has responded by winning four straight.

“There’s a lot of hard work that’s going into our game, a lot of pride that’s taken in how we play football,” McDaniel said. “So to watch a brand unique unto ourselves in three phases, I really appreciate that.”

Minkah magic

The Steelers and Dolphins pulled off a rare blockbuster trade during the summer doldrums in late June when Pittsburgh sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith.

The move may have worked for both sides. Ramsey has stabilized the Pittsburgh secondary after moving to safety following a season-ending injury to DeShon Elliott. Fitzpatrick has thrived while bouncing between safety and slot corner.

“He’s unbelievable,” Austin said of Fitzpatrick. “He’s really smart, really tough, got a nose for the ball, makes the guys around him better, really good communicator, all the good things.”

Fitzpatrick, in his typical understated fashion, downplayed the importance of seeing so many familiar faces on the other sideline.

“No, the only reason why it’s a big week this week is because we’ve got a game and we’ve got to win it,” he said.

Deep thoughts

Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s passing game broke out of a month-long funk against the Ravens, stretching the field in a way they had been unable to for long stretches this season.

The NFL’s oldest (OK, now second-oldest thanks to the return of Philip Rivers) player unleashed a 53-yard strike to DK Metcalf on the first play in Baltimore and kept on firing on his way to a season-high 284 yards.

The arrival of Adam Thielen and the promotion of Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the gameday roster gave Rodgers experienced options opposite Metcalf, and Metcalf ended up having by far his best game of the season (seven receptions, 147 yards).

“We know what winning looks like,” Metcalf said. “We know what I think we still have yet to play our best football game because we had a little lull in the second half, but we’re definitely heading in the right direction.”

‘That’s dope’

Tua Tagovailoa was impressed that Rodgers has been putting up numbers at age 42. The Dolphins quarterback was even more excited at the idea of Rivers doing that at age 44.

“Dude,” Tagovailoa said. “Now we got Philip Rivers (back)? That’s dope. These are guys that I used to freaking watch when when I was young, young, you know? And so now that Philip gets an opportunity to come back, that’s super cool.

“And then A-rod, I mean everyone knows he can still throw it, he can still sling it, whether he’s on the opposite 40 throwing it to the back left side pylon, you know he’s still got it.”

Patrick Paul, Malik Washington, and Dan Brunskill helped pass out gifts and toys to patients at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The event was held in partnership with AutoNation.

The players engaged with families and young patients to uplift holiday spirits.

“Just seeing the kids smile when they’re getting their gifts was all you needed. Honestly, it’s a great day out here, and just to be able to be a part of it and interact with the kids and see them smile is enough,” said Dolphins’ Tackle Patrick Paul.

“For me, it’s just providing some light in a lot of people’s lives that, you know, maybe they are going through different things, and I don’t know what they’re going through, but they get to see us. We get to bring a smile to them,” said Dolphins’ wide receiver Malik Washington.

7News’ Sports Anchor Josh Moser was also in attendance at the event.

With Miami’s fourth straight win, Tagovailoa improved to 7-0 against the Jets as a starter and 8-0 overall in games in which he has played against the AFC East rivals. And with the temperature 41 degrees at kickoff, Tagovailoa moved to 1-7 in his career when the temperature is 46 or colder.

De’Von Achane ran for 92 yards and a touchdown before leaving in the second quarter with a rib injury. Jaylen Wright filled in and had a career-high 107 yards and a score. Rookie Ollie Gordon II also ran for a TD for Miami (6-7), which ran for 239 yards and has won five of its last six after starting the season 1-6.

Tagovailoa was 13 of 21 for 127 yards with a touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle before sitting for the final minutes with the game well in hand. Zach Wilson, New York’s No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, finished up for Miami.

Zach Sieler had 2 1/2 of the Dolphins’ six sacks of the Jets (3-10), who were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss. It’s the 15th straight year — the NFL’s longest active drought — without a postseason appearance for New York.

Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook made his regular-season NFL debut for the Jets when he replaced the injured Tyrod Taylor with 3:39 remaining in the first quarter. Taylor left with what the team announced was a groin injury.

Cook, who was Taylor’s backup because Justin Fields was ruled out with knee soreness, was 14 of 30 for 163 yards and two interceptions. Taylor was 1 for 4 for 6 yards and an interception before leaving.

The immediate concern for the Dolphins after the game was Achane, who was slow to walk off the field after a 29-yard run late in the second quarter.

Fast start

On Miami’s opening drive, Tagovailoa was hit in the back by Jowon Briggs as he was throwing, but got enough on the pass to complete it to Waddle for a 3-yard touchdown that gave Miami a 7-0 lead.

Achane made it 14-0 a few minutes later with a 13-yard touchdown run to cap Miami’s second possession.

Tyrel Dodson gave the Dolphins the ball right back when Taylor’s pass went off Mason Taylor’s hands and right to the linebacker. It was originally called an incompletion, but Mike McDaniel challenged the call and it was ruled via video review that Dodson kept the ball from hitting the ground for an interception by pinning it between his knees.

Tyrod Taylor, who made his third straight start in place of the benched Fields, was hurt on the play.

Special special teams

Isaiah Williams gave the Jets a spark when he returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown — his second score on a punt return this season — to make it 21-7 with 20 seconds left in the opening quarter.

Trailing 24-7 late in the third quarter, New York’s special teams again came up big. With Austin McNamara set to punt on fourth down, Malachi Moore took the direct snap and then lateraled to Isaiah Davis, who gained 19 yards and a first down.

The Jets’ offense stalled, though, and New York settled for a 31-yard field goal by Nick Folk.

Injuries

Dolphins: LB Caleb Johnson left in the first quarter with a shoulder injury and didn’t return. … S Elijah Campbell was ruled out in the third with knee and ankle injuries.

Jets: Rookie Tyler Baron didn’t return after injuring a knee on the Dolphins’ first touchdown. … Rookie LB Kiko Mauigoa left to be evaluated for a head injury and cleared concussion protocol, but didn’t return. … Rookie CB Azareye’h Thomas hurt a shoulder in the first half, but came back in the third quarter.

Up next

Dolphins: Take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh next Monday night.

Jets: Travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars next Sunday.

The sixth-year quarterback is 6-0 against the Jets as a starter, including the Dolphins’ 27-21 victory in Miami in Week 4. He’s 7-0 overall in games in which he has played against New York — including his NFL debut in 2020, when he replaced starter Ryan Fitzpatrick late in a win over the Jets.

But another opponent has proven even tougher for Tagovailoa: cold weather.

When the Dolphins (5-7) take on the Jets (3-9) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, he’ll try to improve on his 0-7 career mark when the temperature at kickoff is 46 degrees or colder, according to the Palm Beach Post. The forecast calls for a high of 41, so Tagovailoa and the offense will need to warm up early.

“First things first, it’s going to be cold,” Tagovailoa said. “You kind of have that on the top of your mind. Outside of that, it’s a mentality, it’s a mindset. This is what we get paid to do — to play football, regardless of if it’s raining, it’s snowing, it’s sleeting, it’s hot, it’s cold. Regardless, we’ve got to go out there and play and do our jobs.”

Tagovailoa has two late-November victories on the road against the Jets in his career, but the temperatures were 54 degrees (in 2021) and 48 (in 2023) at kickoff in those games.

“Yeah, when you win, those are always great memories,” the quarterback said. “But this is a new year, new team, both sides of the ball. This is just all new. You’re not guaranteed a win because you won ‘X’ amount of times or whatnot. Got to go out there and we’ve got to prove it every time we go there.”

Things have changed even since the first time the then-struggling teams squared off in Week 4. The Dolphins, who fired general manager Chris Grier on Oct. 31, have won three straight and four of their past five after opening the season 1-6 — Miami’s worst start under coach Mike McDaniel.

Meanwhile, the Jets opened 0-7 under first-year coach Aaron Glenn, but have won three of their past five to add a sense of optimism to what will be the 15th straight year without the playoffs if New York loses Sunday.

“I’m not happy about the record at all,” Glenn said, ”but I am happy about the way that we’re trending in certain areas.”

Off-target Tua

The decline in Miami’s efficiency in the passing game is in part tied to Tagovailoa’s struggles.

He completed 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards against New Orleans last week and currently has the worst passer rating (85.9) of his career.

He missed several targets and threw an interception on a ball he floated into double coverage, which he noted was a poor decision. Tagovailoa has pointed to his footwork and lack of conviction in his throws as issues that need to be improved.

“Just bringing my feet with my eyes,” he said, “because I could be faced this way and I’m just bringing my eyes. I can’t really throw it like that.”

INT drought

The Jets still have no interceptions this season, an NFL record for a team through its first 12 games.

It’s a statistical oddity that has become a frequent topic of conversation among the players and coaches in defensive meetings.

“It’s really puzzling, it really is,” Glenn said. “But, listen, we’re not going to hang our heads. We’re going to continue to fight to try to see if we can get them.”

The fewest for an entire season is two by San Francisco in 16 games in 2018. The team’s most recent interception was by Ashtyn Davis, who had two in last season’s finale against Miami. Davis can’t help this year: He’s now on the Dolphins.

Brooks’ impact

Linebacker Jordyn Brooks is quietly having one of the best defensive seasons in Dolphins history.

He leads the NFL with 137 total tackles — 22 more than Washington’s Bobby Wagner — and is one of two players in the league with at least 100 tackles, multiple sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

“Absolute stud,” Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. “I hope he starts to get some of the credit he deserves. He’s one of the top two, three linebackers in the league, and I wish we had more wins so that the rest of the world would see that.”

Brooks has 280 tackles since joining the Dolphins last season, the second most by a player in his first two seasons with the team since 1994 when solo tackles began to be recorded. Only Hall of Famer Zach Thomas has more.

Still got it

When Tyrod Taylor replaced Justin Fields as the Jets’ starting quarterback, many assumed New York’s offense would miss Fields’ ability to make plays with his legs.

Well, the 36-year-old Taylor is keeping the ground game rolling. He ran for 44 yards and a touchdown on eight carries against Atlanta. One of his runs was a 14-yard scramble to jumpstart the winning drive — showing he still has good mobility.

“Oh, I heard that on the sideline when I came to the sideline,” Taylor said with a laugh. “I told them, ‘Not too much now, not too much.’”

Robert Griffin III in Washington. Deebo Samuel in San Francisco.

He’s never had a player quite like Miami running back De’Von Achane.

The third-year running back has been key to the Dolphins’ success this season, powering their rushing attack and providing a spark in the passing game. He has six rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores and rushed for 134 yards last week against the New Orleans Saints, putting him over 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career.

“You’re not seeing a player just with skill,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “What you learn about him over time is that he’s trying to be great. So I think the work ethic tied to the skill set, it’s exciting because he’s very confident but some of the stuff he’s capable of doing, he hasn’t got to see himself do it yet, I think, in an NFL game.”

Achane’s 1,034 yards rushing makes him the fourth player in Dolphins history to reach 1,000 yards in the first 12 games of a season and the fourth player in the league this season to reach the mark.

“It means a lot,” Achane said. “It just shows the hard work that I put in, that me and my team put in. It’s just a stepping stone of mine, and we’ve got to keep moving forward.”

Achane’s breakout season isn’t a surprise to his teammates, who have praised his growth this year.

Tight end Julian Hill, who had a block that helped Achane score on a 29-yard run against the Saints, said he takes pride in blocking for him.

“If we just give De’Von some space, man, he can do a lot of things with it,” Hill said. “So you just try to make sure you do what you need to do to give him that little crease or give him that little space. And we can see some magical things.”

One of the first things that impressed McDaniel about Achane was his playmaking skills despite his small stature — he’s listed on Miami’s roster as 5-foot-9, 191 pounds.

“What I noticed from his college days was that he was never taking hits on directly,” McDaniel said, “which when players do that, it means the game is really slow for them. It means that he can see a lot, so there’s some natural football talent. That’s a skill. Not just being fast or having good hands, but that’s a skill of avoiding direct tackles that is very impactful when your job is to move the ball forward.”

That has allowed him to be one of the most productive players in the NFL since he entered the league.

Achane’s 5.6 yards-per-carry average is tied for the best mark in the NFL among running backs since 2023, when the Dolphins drafted him in the third round out of Texas A&M. He also leads the league in receiving touchdowns among running backs since being drafted.

“At this point, I feel it’s second nature to De’Von,” said quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. “It’s not something that’s too much for him, regardless of where we put him, regardless of the alignments that he hears in the huddle … You can see what he does when the ball is in his hands. It looks like it’s about to be a negative two-yard loss. And then he makes it up to be an eight-yard gain.”

There has been a noticeable shift in the Dolphins’ offensive philosophy over the past few weeks, as they’ve gone from utilizing a high-flying passing attack to leaning on their run game.

That has worked. Miami has won four of its last five games and three straight, averaging 176.7 yards on the ground during that span, which is the best mark in the NFL since Week 10.

That has been needed as Miami’s passing game has faltered. On Sunday, the Dolphins recorded fewer than 200 passing yards for the third straight game and went 0-for-2 in the red zone.

McDaniel credited the improved run game in part to the physicality and execution of the offensive line, but he has also pointed to Achane’s ability to navigate tight windows and get yards after contact.

“(It) really changes how we’re able to play football,” McDaniel said, “but it also enables him to stay healthy while doing it. Because he’s able to avoid a lot of the big shots. Guys get pretty mad when a fast guy is making them miss. People intend to hit him pretty hard.”

Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital teamed up with United Airlines and the Miami Dolphins to take at least a dozen children and families on a United Airlines flight with a jolly destination.

“Everybody, I would like to welcome United Airlines flight 3775 to the North Pole,” the pilot said.

Upon arrival, travelers were treated to a winter wonderland.

“This means a lot. There are a lot of times where these patients are actually in the hospital during the holidays, Christmas, and they don’t get to experience any of this, so this amount of incredible effort that has been put in to bring in joy and these moments of happiness and compassion for these kids, it’s amazing,” said Aditi Dhir, a doctor at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The families got to enjoy a festive welcoming party with Santa and the Dolphins mascot for an unforgettable holiday.

If not for the two, the Dolphins may not have been celebrating a victory at all.

Achane’s 134 yards rushing and the defense’s three takeaways and pivotal stops down the stretch helped the Dolphins edge the Saints 21-17 after a lackluster showing from Tagovailoa and Miami’s passing game.

Outside of the opening possession that Achane capped with a 29-yard rushing touchdown, the Dolphins struggled to finish drives and settled for four field goals the rest of the way.

Tagovailoa appeared unsettled and hesitant, completing just 52% of his passes with several bad misses — including an interception that he floated into double coverage — and was sacked four times. He finished with just 157 yards passing and threw his NFL-leading 14th interception, which matches his career high from 2023.

“(Improvement) definitely starts with me,” Tagovailoa said, “starts with my performance with how I distribute the ball, how I operate the guys.”

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel praised his team for winning its third straight game after a 1-6 start, however it may have looked, but he also said Miami’s success ultimately depends on how well Tagovailoa is playing.

“As the quarterback of the team, his job is to lead us to victory,” McDaniel said Monday. “And there’s a lot of things that go into that … It wasn’t his best game. So you’re trying to find why and improve it so that he can have his best game when his best game is required.”

Despite recording only 134 yards passing and going 4 for 12 on third down, the Dolphins rushed for 164 yards as a team.

Miami’s offensive identity has shifted from a high-flying passing attack to a run-first approach, but McDaniel acknowledged that formula may not work every week.

“At some point we’re going to have to execute in the near future,” McDaniel said, “because in the NFL, if you have success in a phase or success in running the ball, people will overcommit. And you’ll eventually need to pass to win. I think that will be a big thing that we’ll be working on this coming week.”

What’s working

The running game and defense have powered Miami’s winning streak. Miami’s defense has allowed just 14.3 points over the past three games and has forced seven turnovers since Week 10. The Dolphins have averaged 176.7 yards rushing during their three-game streak, the best mark in the NFL since Week 10, along with 5.6 yards per carry.

What needs help

The passing game. The Saints limited WR Jaylen Waddle and TE Darren Waller, but the biggest concern in the passing game is Tagovailoa, whose lack of mobility and inability to evade pressure is proving to be a hindrance.

Stock up

LB Chop Robinson and S Minkah Fitzpatrick. Robinson had his best game of the year on Sunday — only the second start of his career — with 1 1/2 sacks, three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. Robinson was also involved on the Dolphins’ crucial 4th-and-1 stop of Saints quarterback Tyler Shough that ended the game.

Some may have questioned the Dolphins’ decision to trade All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Jonnu Smith to the Steelers in exchange for Fitzpatrick last offseason, but that is proving to be one of the Dolphins’ most fruitful moves of 2025. Fitzpatrick is having a stellar season, highlighted by his dominant performance Sunday. He had a strip sack of Shough that led to a fumble recovery in the first half, then intercepted Shough in the fourth quarter on a 2-point try and returned it to the opposite end zone for a defensive 2-point conversion.

Stock down

Tagovailoa. He has struggled all season, even with his accuracy, which has been a strength his entire career. One year after completing a career-high 72.9% of his passes, Tagovailoa has a 67.2% completion rate this season.

Injuries

FB Alec Ingold is day to day after suffering a stinger in Sunday’s game.

Key number

7 — The number of games this season in which Tagovailoa has failed to reach 200 yards passing. He hadn’t had more than three such games in a season since 2021, his first year as a starter.

Next steps

Miami travels to face the New York Jets on Sunday. The Dolphins picked up their first win of the season when they beat the Jets in Week 4, which was also the game where WR Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending knee injury.

The Dolphins (5-7) trail first-place New England and Buffalo in the AFC East but kept their slim playoffs hopes alive, while the Saints (2-10) have lost six of seven.

The Saints trailed 16-0 at halftime, but they closed to 19-17 with 1:17 remaining on Tyler Shough’s 15-yard touchdown pass to Devaughn Vele.

Shough was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick on the 2-point try, and the Dolphins safety returned it to the opposite end zone to give Miami two points.

The rookie QB got another shot after the Saints recovered the ensuing onside kick by Charlie Smyth — a former Gaelic football player from Northern Ireland making his NFL regular-season debut. But Miami’s defense stopped Shough on fourth-and-1 at the Dolphins 36 to end the game.

Smyth connected on a 56-yard field goal to make it 19-11 with 6:08 remaining before Shough nearly completed the comeback. Despite a poor first half that featured an interception and a strip sack, Shough finished with 239 yards and two touchdowns.

Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was not particularly sharp, completing 12 of 23 passes for 157 yards with an interception. He leads the NFL with 14 picks, which also matches his career high from 2023.

The Dolphins recorded 164 yards rushing behind Achane, who finished with 22 carries and topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his three-year career. Achane scored his 10th touchdown of the season on a 29-yard run on Miami’s opening drive.

The Saints, who entered the game tied for the second-worst scoring offense in the NFL, got nothing going offensively until the opening drive of the second half, when Shough capped a 10-play, 70-yard drive — more than the Saints’ 63 first-half yards — with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave. Shough then converted the 2-point try on a run to make it 16-8.

The Dolphins didn’t respond until early in the fourth, when Tagovailoa, after nearly throwing a second interception, found Jaylen Waddle for a 22-yard pickup that set up Riley Patterson’s 33-yard kick — his fourth of the day.

Injuries

Saints: S Justin Reid left with a knee injury in the first half.

Dolphins: FB Alec Ingold left in the second quarter with a stinger.

Up next

Saints: At Tampa Bay next Sunday.

Dolphins: At New York Jets next Sunday.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

They meet on Sunday afternoon in South Florida, and the matchup might be best summarized like this:

— The Dolphins aren’t allowing many points.

— The Saints aren’t scoring many points.

That isn’t a great formula for the Saints, who have been held under 20 points in each of their last six games. That is the NFL’s longest active streak of offensive struggle; Cleveland went six games without 20 points earlier this season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have allowed exactly 13 points in each of their last two games — and probably not coincidentally, they went 2-0 in those matchups to breathe a bit of hope into a season that was going seriously awry.

“They’ve been playing really well on defense,” Saints quarterback Tyler Shough said. “We have to be up for the challenge and go out there and attack.”

And Miami will expect exactly that, especially since the Saints haven’t been able to run the ball. New Orleans has an NFL-worst three rushing touchdowns this season — 45 different players across the league entered Friday with at least that many — and none of the Saints’ last 120 carries has reached the end zone. New Orleans’ last rushing TD was a 1-yarder from Taysom Hill on Oct. 12, and with top running back Alvin Kamara banged up it doesn’t seem like the ground game will be anywhere near its best form on Sunday.

There seem to be good signs for Miami. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel isn’t buying any of them. Just because his team has won two straight doesn’t mean it’s time for a false sense of security to settle in, he said.

“Football, if you haven’t noticed, the ball is oblong. I don’t know where that is bouncing,” McDaniel said. “The NFL will teach you the hardest lessons that will have you lose sleep at night if you make the mistake of taking anybody lightly. Whether people have taken our team lightly, not really important debate to me. However, I think it makes our team a little more aware of the negative effects of thinking that your nameplate or your team logo earns a win — because it does not.”

Mr. November

The Dolphins are playing their best football in November, which checks out given quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s history. He’s 15-4 as a starter in November, compared with 15-16 when he starts games in September and October.

In an up-and-down season — including injuries to key players including Tyreek Hill, the departure of general manager Chris Grier and Tagovailoa himself taking plenty of heat for openly discussing team issues that are typically kept private — he said this past week’s bye allowed time to reflect.

“Great rest and recovery as well throughout that time and just glad we get to get back at it and hopefully we can continue our win streak and sort of the mantra that we’ve had these past couple of weeks,” Tagovailoa said.

Irish times

Irish kicker Charlie Smyth had a chance to compete for New Orleans’ starting kicking job this week after the club’s decision to cut Blake Grupe.

Grupe missed two kicks inside of 50 yards last Sunday in New Orleans’ loss to Atlanta, bringing his total of misses up to eight this season. Smyth has spent this week competing against former LSU kicker Cade York, who was signed on Tuesday and has previously played in the NFL for Cincinnati, Washington and Cleveland.

Smyth, who grew up playing Gaelic football, is part of the NFL’s International Pathways Program, meaning the Saints are granted an extra offseason roster spot and in-season practice squad spot for keeping him around.

So, Smyth was unlikely to be cut if he didn’t win the job, but said he didn’t view this week’s opportunity that way.

“If you feel like that, then you get comfortable. And there are other people that would love my spot,” Smyth said.

Getting downhill

Taysom Hill’s role in the Saints’ offense continues to evolve as he rounds back into form from a major knee injury last season — the recovery from which also sidelined him for the first four games this season.

The versatile 35-year-old took on more running back duties last week after Alvin Kamara went down with a knee injury in the first quarter. He added that to his intermittent role as a wildcat QB and sometimes tight end.

“He’s always ready to rock and roll,” Saints coach Kellen Moore said. “He provides an insurance role.”

They’re entering their bye week at 4-7, five losses behind AFC East leader New England in the division race, 2 1/2 games behind Jacksonville for what would be the final wild-card spot in the conference, and as a 50-1 long shot just to make the playoffs, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

In other words, they’re not exactly in a great spot. One would have to be, well, delusional, to think that playoff hopes are realistic. But that’s exactly the word that Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb used a couple of weeks ago, and it has stuck.

“If I had a dime for every time I was called ‘delusional’ … it’s right down my alley,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said.

It’s not like the reasons for at least some hope aren’t there. They’ve won back-to-back games for the first time all season. The schedule isn’t exactly daunting over the next few weeks. They’ve dealt with a slew of injuries, including Tyreek Hill’s dislocated knee. They’ve heard boos from fans. They’ve seen top pass rusher Jaelan Phillips get traded away. They’ve seen banner planes circling the stadium calling for drastic change; one such move ended up happening when the team parted ways with general manager Chris Grier.

A lot has happened. Much of it has been bad. The Dolphins still believe anyway.

“We just stayed together in the hard times,” Chubb said this week before the team scattered for a few bye-week days off. “We made it — what’s the word I’m looking for? — we made it a thing to get together, to make sure we stuck together, eat together, whatever we can do to bond. I feel like that’s been the biggest thing, guys trusting in one another.”

History says they could have packed it in without much in the way of repercussions. Teams that get off to the sort of starts that Miami did this season almost always wind up missing the playoffs, and the odds are still overwhelming that this Dolphins team will do the same.

— The Dolphins were 1-6. Only two teams in NFL history have started 1-6 or worse and made the playoffs, and the last time it happened was 1970.

— The Dolphins were 2-7. The only team that made the playoffs after such a start was Washington in 2020, a season when its 7-9 record was good enough to win the NFC East.

— The Dolphins are 4-7. Those playoff odds are a tiny bit better now, given than 10 teams that started 4-7 or worse have made the postseason and three of them (Washington 2020, Jacksonville 2022 and Tampa Bay 2023) have gotten there in the five seasons preceding this one.

But here’s where the hope comes into play. Running back De’Von Achane enters this week third in rushing yards and fourth in scrimmage yards across the NFL. Linebacker Jordyn Brooks leads the NFL in tackles. The defense has picked up considerably over the last four games.

“We just want to hold onto that, hold onto that and continue to get better,” Brooks said. “See where we as players can get better individually and see if we can’t keep it rolling.”

After beating Washington this past weekend in Madrid, Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — in a sentiment echoed by others — said he doesn’t think the bye week will disrupt how the Dolphins seem to have figured out what works best for them.

“I think a lot of the guys on the team would love to continue playing given the momentum that we have, the momentum that we’ve built collectively in all three phases, but it is what it is,” Tagovailoa said. “We’re going to go through our bye week, but that’s not without talking about how we can continue to stay on that momentum train following the next game week.”

The Dolphins will almost certainly be the favorite when they return to game again on Nov. 30 at home against New Orleans. After that, Miami heads on the road to open December at the New York Jets — another game in which the Dolphins should be favored.

Win both of those, and that would mean the record is 6-7. It guarantees nothing and is hardly aspirational — no team comes into a season hoping to be 6-7 after 13 games — but it would surely mean that the delusions might not seem so delusional anymore.

“I’m just very impressed, but not surprised,” McDaniel said. “It matches a belief that I’ve had the entire time with these guys that they are made of the right material that it takes to succeed in this league. A lot more often than not, you have to succeed on the heels of failure. That’s just the way that this league is.

“The opportunity that is a down moment in your season or a down period, that is a supreme opportunity to show people who you really are and I think our guys have responded in kind.”

It just so happens the fun stuff is coming at a good moment for the Dolphins.

For the first time all year, the Dolphins are on a winning streak. A 16-13 overtime win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday in Madrid gave Miami back-to-back wins and pushed its record to 4-7 — far from optimal, yet a whole lot better than things looked at 1-6 and 2-7.

So, when McDaniel sees his team at work on Tuesday for the final time before a few days away, his message will be clear: Go reconnect with the family and get ready for the final six games that await.

“I think it’s important and I try to lead by example,” McDaniel said Monday. “So, I will be investing in family time so that I can have an excited daughter at games for the rest of the year.”

There might be some excited players at those games as well.

The Dolphins are still well out of playoff contention; they’re mathematically alive, sure, but remain an absolute long shot to find their way into the postseason. That said, three of their next four games are against teams that are currently either 2-8 (New Orleans and the New York Jets) or 3-7 (Cincinnati).

McDaniel said he doesn’t worry about momentum being sidetracked by the bye week.

“I think it’s a good time to get rest,” McDaniel said. “That’s the next thing that we have to win … an inward look at our game, see where we can minimize inefficiency, and then people doing the right things with their body and their mind so that we can hit the next stretch running.”

What’s working

The defense deserves high praise for its continued turnaround. Over the first seven weeks of the season, Miami allowed 29.3 points per game — ranking No. 29 in the 32-team league. In the four weeks since, Miami has allowed 16 points per game — ranking No. 3 in the league.

What needs help

Miami continues to struggle on third and fourth down. In their first six games, the Dolphins converted on 47.4% of third- and fourth-down chances. In the five games since, that number has plummeted to 29.9% — and the 26.8% percent success rate on third downs in that span is 31st in the NFL. Only Atlanta (17.5% in that span) has been worse.

Stock up

LB Jordyn Brooks had a 20-tackle game Sunday, the most by any player in the NFL this season. There have been three games of 18 or more tackles so far in this regular season; Brooks has two of them, and Las Vegas’ Elandon Roberts has the other.

Stock down

McDaniel exposed himself to a ton of second-guessing by not having the Dolphins kick what would have been a chip-shot field goal that could have given Miami the lead late in regulation; imagine carrying that into a bye week if the Commanders had won the game. That said, the decision was gutsy, as was the (ultimately correct) decision to take the ball second in overtime. Even the analytics types are split on what best practices are for the OT coin toss.

Injuries

It’s possible that Miami may get a few players back after the bye, including TE Darren Waller (pectoral), K Jason Sanders (hip), OT Austin Jackson (toe), CB Rasul Douglas (foot, ankle) and WR Dee Eskridge (shoulder). S Jordan Colbert (stinger) left Sunday’s game early, as did CB JuJu Brents. In Brents’ case, the injury — announced Sunday as an ankle problem — is evidently severe enough that the Dolphins aren’t optimistic about him returning this season.

Key number

21 — The Dolphins are 32-32, including playoffs, under McDaniel. They’re 27-4 when giving up 21 or fewer points (4-0 this season) and 5-28 when allowing more than 21 points (0-7 this season).

Next steps

After Sunday night’s eight-hour flight back to South Florida, the Dolphins are off this week before playing host to New Orleans on Nov. 30.

The Miami Dolphins cornerback ran toward the sideline and stretched his arms wide after a twisting jump in front of his teammates. Jones was imitating Cristiano Ronaldo, the soccer great who used to celebrate like that at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when he played for Real Madrid.

“I had to bring that out,” he said. “I was talking to my friend and I’m like, ‘When I make a play, be ready for that celebration.’”

Jones intercepted Marcus Mariota on the first offensive play of overtime and Riley Patterson kicked a 29-yard field goal to give the Dolphins a 16-13 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Jones cut in front of Commanders tight end Zach Ertz and came away with the ball.

“They covered our first couple of options well,” Mariota said. “I tried to get back side to Zach. Guy undercut it and made a play. Unfortunate there, and give credit to him. He made a good play.”

Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks said Jones told him moments earlier that he was going to come up with the interception, making “that moment a lot cooler.”

“His exact words: Y’all stop the run. He’s going to throw me the ball, because he can’t throw,” Brooks said.

The Commanders (3-8) had a chance to win and end a five-game losing streak with 15 seconds left in regulation, but Matt Gay’s 56-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. Gay, who said ahead of the game he was thrilled to have the chance to play at the Bernabeu, missed two of his four field goal attempts.

“It’s tough,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. “This one stings. Guys are definitely hurting, and I thought in a lot of spaces they battled, and we had our opportunity to go win it. We didn’t get that done.”

The Dolphins (4-7) were twice stopped on fourth-and-goal, including inside the final two minutes after recovering the ball on an earlier muffed punt return by the Commanders. The muff came after the Commanders were stopped on fourth-and-goal the other way.

It was the seventh — and final — international game this season, the most in one year for the NFL as it continues to expand globally.

The game in Madrid saw Puerto Rican superstar Daddy Yankee and Argentine producer Bizarrap perform at halftime in front of a crowd of 78,610 at the Bernabeu.

The Commanders, still without injured quarterback Jayden Daniels, have lost six straight, including 44-22 to the Detroit Lions at home last week, while the Dolphins were coming off a commanding 30-13 victory over the Bills.

“They fought for belief, and now they’ve been awarded real belief based on performance and results,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said “So, I think we’ll be excited to play our next game. We need the time off. We definitely wish we could play, our locker room would probably want to play tomorrow even though they’re a little beat up.”

Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa went 14 for 20 for 171 yards passing without any touchdowns or interceptions.

“Great team victory,” Tagovailoa said. “All wins are good and we are going to carry this momentum along throughout the bye week and hopefully take it into our next game.”

Mariota went 20 for 30 for 213 yards with a touchdown and the interception in overtime. He also had 49 yards rushing, including 44 on a run not long after he was taken to the blue tent to be evaluated for a concussion.

Chris Rodríguez rushed for 49 yards for the Commanders, and Deebo Samuel had 74 yards receiving.

De’Von Achane had another big game for the Dolphins with 120 yards on 21 carries, plus 45 yards on five receptions. Brooks led the Dolphins with 20 total tackles.

After both teams exchanged a pair of field goals in the first half, the Commanders put together a strong drive to begin the third quarter. Washington scored the first touchdown of the game on a 20-yard reception by Samuel, who took advantage of some good blocking up front after a screen pass by Mariota.

The Dolphins tried to respond quickly and drove to the Commanders 2-yard line, but failed to score after an incomplete pass by Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle on fourth down.

After the Commanders were held, Miami put together another strong possession and Ollie Gordon scored on a 1-yard run.

Mariota led the Commanders to the 1 after temporarily leaving the game and clearing concussion protocol, helped by a 44-yard run on which he sped through the right side with seven Dolphins trying to catch him. But the Commanders quarterback couldn’t close out the drive with a score, throwing an incomplete pass after Ertz tripped near the end of his route on fourth-and-goal.

The Dolphins were held on the next drive, but Mike Sainristil muffed the punt and Ethan Bonner recovered for Miami at the Commanders 42 with about four minutes left. After Achane couldn’t get in from the 1 on third down, McDaniel went for it on fourth down but the Commanders made another big stop as Gordon also failed to get in.

Washington took over with 1:41 left in the game at the 3 and Mariota led the team into field goal range, but Gay couldn’t convert what would have likely been a game-winner.

Injuries

Dolphins: DB JuJu Brents left with an ankle injury. … Achane injured his back in the fourth quarter, but returned. … S Jordan Colbert was sidelined in the first half with a concussion.

Commanders: G Sam Cosmi was injured in the fourth quarter, but returned. … WR Jaylin Lane was listed as questionable in the third quarter.

Up next

Dolphins: Bye week before hosting New Orleans on Nov. 30.

Commanders: Bye week before hosting Denver on Nov. 30.

The Dolphins (3-7) take on the Commanders (3-7) on Sunday in Spain looking to keep the momentum going from their 30-13 win over the Buffalo Bills, a game where Waddle and Achane combined for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns.

Waddle, the team’s new No. 1 receiver after Tyreek Hill got injured, scored once and had 84 yards on five catches against the Bills.

“I would say that it’s been a pretty steady progression in the details of Waddle’s game,” McDaniel said Friday. “I think that gave him an opportunity that when we had some potential targets lost with some injuries, that opportunity hit him at a great time in where his development already was.

“I think when you have a receiver as talented as him and he is a football player, those are why he’s so important to me and this team because football players win,” McDaniel said.

Achane finished with 225 scrimmage yards against the Bills and had fourth-quarter touchdowns of 59 and 35 yards. He had six catches for 51 yards and rushed for 174 yards.

“I think it’s important to him to continue to get better and develop because he has high aspirations himself for a career,” McDaniel said. “In that, he’s finding ways to do what he does best more often. He’s really good at having a defender in front of him that’s trying to tackle him and in a split second, finding the edge of a tackler and breaking the tackle. For a smaller guy, he breaks a lot of tackles because of that. He’s doing that more often, utilizing that ability more often and getting more production in tight quarter situations.”

McDaniel said Achane’s longest touchdown last week “embodies his development.”

“And he’s been capable of doing something like that, but that particular play, making two people miss and taking it to the house, there are very few running backs who can do that and he’s trying to do it on the regular,” McDaniel said.

The coach said they are learning how to balance Achane’s workload as he continues to contribute both as a runner and a receiver.

“I think one of the things that is the saving grace for De’Von is that he doesn’t take hits on directly very often. Kind of speaking to how he finds edges of defenders, he’s not too banged up after games because of his ability to take on tacklers in an aggressive way,” McDaniel said.

“When you can feel that De’Von is at his best, avoiding tacklers, you try to get him the ball more until you see a dip in how he’s making defenders miss,” the coach said.

The game at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be the seventh — and final — international game of the season, the most ever in one year for the NFL as it continues to expand globally.

Cornerback Rasul Douglas (foot and ankle), wide receiver Dee Eskridge (shoulder) and linebacker Bradley Chubb (foot) were listed as questionable for the game at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium — the first ever regular-season NFL game in Spain.

Offensive lineman Austin Jackson was listed as doubtful because of a toe ailment. He had limited participation in practice all three days in Madrid.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said he was “aggressively optimistic” about offensive lineman Aaron Brewer, who had not practiced on Wednesday but ended up being cleared to play.

Chubb was listed as questionable after limited participation in practice on Friday.

The Atletico coach handed his NFL counterpart an Atletico jersey with McDaniel’s name on it.

Atletico President Enrique Cerezo also met with the American coach and with Miami interim general manager Champ Kelly. Also in the meeting was José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, the head of Spain’s top sports authority.

The Dolphins have been practicing at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium ahead of Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders. It will be the seventh and final international NFL game of the season.

It will be played at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Atletico rival Real Madrid.

The Commanders are practicing at Real Madrid’s training center, located about 15 minutes from the Metropolitano.

The soccer teams have not been using their facilities because of the international break, which is reserved for national teams.

Quinn spoke highly of McDaniel’s coaching acumen. He lauded his leadership and quick processing ability. But more than anything, he said, he’s proud of McDaniel’s personal journey and how far he’s come since their time working together nearly 10 years ago.

Quinn, in his second year as Washington’s head coach, was the Atlanta Falcons coach in 2016 when he, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and current Falcons coach Raheem Morris sat down with McDaniel — then a Falcons offensive assistant — and confronted him about his drinking.

“I think when there’s an issue, sometimes you don’t want to let somebody you’re with know,” Quinn said Wednesday ahead of Washington’s game against Miami in Madrid.

“You’re counting on them. They’re counting on you,” Quinn added. “But really, you’re leaning in, that’s the biggest strength we can do. And in that space, all I want to do is help and give support, and then the real work begins for the person who’s in that spot. And that’s exactly what Mike did. … And it’s part of the reason I’m so proud of him.”

McDaniel often describes that moment as a much-needed wakeup call. Years earlier, he had been fired from his job as an offensive assistant with the Houston Texans and had continued to struggle with his sobriety.

But since that day — Jan. 4, 2016, McDaniel remembers — he vowed to never drink again. McDaniel had relayed that conversation with Quinn to his wife, saw the disappointment in her face, and has been sober since.

“Dan Quinn holds a special place in my heart, in my career,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “He was there, ground zero, when I became sober and supported me and believed in me and gave me the opportunity to continue what I love to do. For that, I‘ll be forever indebted to him.”

Sunday’s game will be the first time the two face each other as head coaches as the NFL wraps its 2025 international slate with the league’s first regular-season game in Spain.

The Commanders and Dolphins are both 3-7. While the Dolphins are coming off a win over the Buffalo Bills that could mark a turning point in their season, the Commanders are in a free-fall, going from 3-2 to 3-7 with a five-game losing streak.

“That’s a big confidence booster for our team,” Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “We were able to enjoy that win for 24 hours. We want to put that to rest and we want to focus on the Commanders this week and find every possible way that we can to help win the game.”

The Commanders have barely been competitive during their five-game skid, losing by 21 to Kansas City in Week 8, by 24 to Seattle in Week 9 and by 22 against Detroit last week. Quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss his fifth game this season with an injury, this time a dislocated left elbow.

“At the end of the day, in order to get things going in the right direction, you have to be transparent, you have to be honest,” said backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who again will start in Daniels’ place. “And I don’t think we are who we think we are.”

Quinn replaces Whitt

Quinn needed to do something after a succession of poor performances by Washington’s defense, so he opted to take over as the defensive coordinator, demoting Joe Whitt Jr.

“Whenever you have a move like that,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said, “then that kind of means the players are not executing at the level that they need to be. … We have to execute better, regardless of who’s calling the defense.”

Washington has given up 2,737 yards passing and 8.9 yards per pass attempt — both the worst in the entire NFL. Last week, the Lions scored on each of their first eight possessions.

Where is everybody?

Nearly half of the 22 starters on offense and defense that the Commanders were expected to have at the start of the season will miss Sunday’s game.

That’s mostly because of injuries, but they’re also without defensive tackle Daron Payne, who was suspended for one game without pay by the NFL for punching a player in last week’s loss.

The other nine: Daniels, RB Austin Ekeler, WRs Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, DEs Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr., CBs Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos, and S Will Harris.

Ekeler, Armstrong, Wise and Lattimore are done for the season; Brown, Amos and Harris are on injured reserve.

Family affair

Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul will be playing against his brother, Commanders left guard Chris Paul, for the first time in their careers on Sunday.

Patrick Paul has had a stellar second season with the Dolphins and has been one of Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded tackles in the NFL. And after earning the starting left guard role earlier this season, Chris Paul has been a bright spot on Washington’s offense.

“It’s another special moment,” Patrick Paul said. “My rookie year we had him in preseason but now we have a regular-season game, so we’re all going to Spain. The whole family is coming out – family, cousins, everybody. I think I requested maybe 10 to 12 tickets. I’ve got a big crowd coming to Spain, so it’ll be fun.”

Fierce rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are on opposite sides again as preparations for Sunday’s game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders are underway in the Spanish capital.

The Dolphins are the designated home team for the game at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. But Mike McDaniel’s team is practicing at Atletico’s Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium during the week.

The Commanders are practicing at Real Madrid’s training center, about 15 minutes away from the Metropolitano.

“Are you trying to throw me square in the middle of a rivalry?” McDaniel said when asked about the Madrid teams.

“I’ve yet to be to the stadium that we are playing the game at, but so far here, very impressed,” McDaniel said. ”You can tell it’s first class, for sure. We feel very fortunate to be able to have access to a facility like this.”

Commanders coach Dan Quinn added to the mix the Madrid Bravos, the city’s American football franchise that was established in 2023 to play in the European League of Football.

“A quick shoutout to the Madrid Bravos, from the ELF,” he said before Wednesday’s news conference, which he attended wearing a No. 12 Bravos jersey.

The Commanders also worked out briefly at the Bravos’ facilities before their full practice at Real Madrid’s training center.

“A big thanks to everybody here at Real Madrid,” Quinn said. “What an awesome spot these guys have here to allow us to come and practice. It’s a great set up.”

Real Madrid also reportedly was interested in having the Dolphins train at its facilities, but Miami ultimately picked Atletico’s stadium. The clubs have some of the same owners, though the Dolphins said politics didn’t really play a role in the decision.

Team partnerships

The Dolphins have hailed their own partnerships with Real Madrid as the stadium host for the first NFL game in Spain, and with the Bravos as well, as both worked together on activities to promote the game.

The Dolphins are one of three teams with marketing rights for Spain through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, along with the Chicago Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Our team is very demanding, and a couple of trips were made to Spain to visit the facilities,” said Felipe Formiga, Dolphins vice president of international development. “The Metropolitano is incredible and it has everything we need. We are super happy to be able to practice through Saturday at the Metropolitano, and then to play at the Bernabeu on Sunday. We are experiencing two super iconic venues in Madrid and that’s really nice.”

Sunday’s game will be the seventh — and final — international game this season, the most ever for the NFL as it continues its push to expand globally.

Real Madrid is a record 15-time European champion, one of the top clubs in Spain along with Barcelona. Atletico is considered the third team but often challenges the powerhouses. Atletico lost two Champions League finals to Real Madrid, in 2014 and 2016.

The Miami Dolphins coach went viral after a picture circled online of someone who looked strikingly like him driving by a popular South Florida beach bar known as a gathering spot for Bills fans.

The image quickly ignited social media chatter that McDaniel had shown up to troll Miami’s AFC East rivals in person after Sunday’s 30-13 win.

“That’s why I like the good old days,” McDaniel quipped Monday when asked about the photo. “The throwbacks of yore where you could trust the internet and the images — because that is pretty detailed. I do live in that area, but AI, right?”

So, was it him?

“I live in that area. AI is real,” McDaniel said. “That’s what I got for you.”

Regardless of who was or wasn’t there, McDaniel took pride in watching his team celebrate a galvanizing victory — one in which the Dolphins built a 16-0 halftime lead, forced three turnovers and played with a cohesion that has been missing much of the season.

McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver chest-bumped each other on the sideline during the game, players celebrated with laundry bin races afterward, and 59-year-old Dolphins wide receivers coach Robert Prince broke out with a short breakdancing routine during the postgame locker room celebration.

“I think it was an earned celebration,” McDaniel said. “I think you saw a team that was exuberant based upon the execution of something that they knew they held the belief that they could do entirely themselves.”

The Dolphins (3-7) still believe they can turn their season around, and Sunday’s game was a reminder of what they can be — if they can find a way to sustain it.

“We’re all delusional, man,” edge rusher Bradley Chubb said. “We know what we can do. And we believe that if we put our minds to it, we can play complementary football like we did. The sky is the limit. It’s not delusional at the end of the day because we know we can do it.”

What’s working

Because of injuries to their tight ends, the Dolphins have been using veteran Daniel Brunskill as a hybrid sixth offensive lineman/tight end for extra blocking, and it has produced two of Miami’s best rushing performances of the season.

After rushing for 141 yards as a team against the Falcons two weeks ago — when they first employed the wrinkle — the Dolphins recorded 197 yards rushing on Sunday, highlighted by 174 yards and two TDs from De’Von Achane.

What needs help

There were a couple of mistakes on special teams on Sunday that can be cleaned up, including a badly missed extra point by Riley Patterson. Malik Washington also fair-caught a long Bills punt at the 8-yard line.

Stock up

CB JuJu Brents was excellent in his first start of the season. The third-year player earned the start Sunday with Rasul Douglas sidelined by a toe injury and matched up well with Bills receiver Keon Coleman. Brents finished with five tackles, a fumble recovery and a breakup of a downfield pass by Josh Allen.

Stock down

CB Ethan Bonner. He has not been able to carve out a prominent role in his three seasons in Miami, even when injuries to other cornerbacks have provided him with an opportunity. When Brents came out of the game in the fourth quarter Sunday, Allen immediately targeted Bonner in coverage against Coleman. The result was a 35-yard touchdown.

Injuries

LB Chop Robinson is expected to clear the concussion protocol on Wednesday and should be on track to play this week after missing Sunday’s game. … CB Rasul Douglas (toe), WR Dee Eskridge (shoulder), TE Julian Hill (ankle) and S Ashtyn Davis (quad) were inactive Sunday, but McDaniel said he’s optimistic about their availability this week.

Key number

9-3 — The Dolphins’ record in November under McDaniel. Since 2022, Miami is one of just six teams to have nine-plus wins in the month, alongside Kansas City, Philadelphia, Detroit, Minnesota and Baltimore.

Next steps

The Dolphins travel to Spain, where they will play the Washington Commanders in Madrid on Sunday before heading into a bye week.

Several other Miami Dolphins players had never won a game against the Bills.

After the Dolphins beat Buffalo 30-13 to snap a seven-game losing streak against their division rivals, Tagovailoa could tell how much the win meant to his team.

“Every time you can get a win in the NFL, that’s special,” he said. “But given the times we’ve played Buffalo in the past and have gotten close, and then have gotten blown out, I think this one definitely makes it that much more special that it was against Buffalo. They’ve had our number for years.”

Tagovailoa threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns and De’Von Achane added a pair of rushing scores and against the Bills (6-3), who had not lost to Miami (3-7) since Week 3 of the 2022 season.

Achane finished with 225 scrimmage yards and fourth-quarter touchdowns of 59 and 35 yards. Tagovailoa completed 15 of 21 passes with two interceptions to give him a league-leading 12 picks this season.

It was also the most dominant performance of the season for Miami’s defense, which had three takeaways and three sacks.

“I think it’s pretty obvious from the play they didn’t believe that their season was over,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “That’s difficult to do when everyone’s talking to you about the season being over.”

Josh Allen threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, with an interception and fumble, but was replaced by Mitchell Trubisky after Achane’s second TD put the Dolphins up by 17 with three minutes left.

“They wanted it obviously a little bit more than us,” Allen said. “I’ve got to be better. We’ve got to be better in the protection game, in the pass game, in the run game, all of it. Anytime you turn it over three times … that’s a recipe for disaster.

The Bills trailed 16-0 at the start of the fourth when Allen tossed a 35-yard touchdown to Keon Coleman to cap a 98-yard scoring drive, but it remained a two-score game after Minkah Fitzpatrick tackled receiver Khalil Shakir just short of the goal line on the 2-point try.

Buffalo’s high-scoring offense didn’t convert a first down until the third, when Allen weaved around Dolphins pass rushers to extend the play and find a wide-open Curtis Samuel for a 21-yard pickup on third-and-16.

It was an MVP-like play from Allen, who completed 28 of 40 passes, and appeared to be just what the Bills needed to gain some momentum. But after moving the ball to the Miami 5, Allen was picked off by safety Ifeatu Melifonwu in the end zone.

“He’s the MVP for a reason,” said Miami edge rusher Bradley Chubb. “We know he’s going to make the plays. It’s just about how we respond to it. Not getting too down on ourselves. Like I said, he’s an MVP-caliber player. It’s just about responding, and I feel like we did that.”

Tagovailoa’s lone blemish of the first half came on the Dolphins’ opening drive, when a pass he lofted into double coverage toward receiver Jaylen Waddle was intercepted by Cole Bishop.

The Dolphins quickly regrouped afterward, outgaining Buffalo 221 to 90 in the first half.

Tagovailoa completed his next nine passes and led two touchdown drives to put Miami up 13-0 — its largest lead against Buffalo since 2016 — with a 9-yard touchdown catch by Malik Washington and a 38-yard score from Waddle.

Allen guided the Bills down the field to the Miami 39 on their most promising drive of the opening half. But after Miami defensive tackle Benito Jones jumped into the neutral zone on a Buffalo fourth-and-1, running back James Cook had the ball punched out by cornerback Jack Jones, and it was recovered by JuJu Brents.

Riley Patterson’s 46-yard field goal gave the Dolphins a 16-0 lead, which was Buffalo’s largest first-half deficit since trailing Baltimore 21-3 at the half in Week 4 of last season in an eventual 35-10 loss.

Injuries

Bills: Rookie DE Landon Jackson injured his knee in the first quarter and did not return. … TE Dalton Kincaid left in the third quarter with a hamstring injury.

Dolphins: Starting CB Rasul Douglas (foot/ankle), S Ashtyn Davis (quad) and LB Chop Robinson (concussion) were inactive.

Up next

Bills host Tampa Bay next Sunday.

Dolphins play Washington in Madrid, Spain, next Sunday.

The Dolphins had battled the five-time AFC East champions into the fourth quarter in Week 3 when, down a touchdown with three minutes left, Miami unraveled.

“On a game-winning drive, can’t throw an interception,” Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said Wednesday, referring to the pick he threw on Miami’s penultimate drive that sealed a 31-21 loss.

“Just got to find a way to finish better,” Tagovailoa added, “and place our team in a better position than that.”

That’s the way the season has gone for the Miami Dolphins (2-7), who have squandered numerous chances to close out games because of mistakes. They have a chance to avenge those miscues Sunday when they host the Bills, who Mike McDaniel has only beaten once in eight tries as Miami’s coach.

“There’s been a couple of one-score games as of late that they’ve won and we’ve lost,” McDaniel said. “What’s critical is that you don’t have your ‘wish you could have them back’ plays in the fourth quarter, anticipating that regardless of how well you play or whatever they do, they generally do a great job of keeping the game, at least worst-case scenario, within reach. A lot of times they have leads, but you know you’re not winning this game until the fourth quarter is over.”

Kansas City learned that lesson against the Bills last week, when after leading 21-13 at the half, Buffalo hung on for a 28-21 win.

Buffalo’s passing attack has been scrutinized, with receivers often having difficulty separating in coverage, but the Bills played with near-perfect balance against the Chiefs, with James Cook’s 114 yards rushing and Josh Allen setting a team record for completion percentage.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” coach Sean McDermott said. “We are, and I applaud the staff and the coaches for it. They’ve done a really good job. Players have recalibrated a little bit and done everything that we’ve asked them to do. And it just takes some time to sometimes get there. And now we’ve got to continue to go because we’re not where we need to be. This is a big divisional game down there away, and so we’ve got to put a good week of preparation in.”

McDaniel emphasized the importance of not harping on past games in the series, but the Bills’ recent success against the Dolphins has been glaring:

Since 2017, McDermott’s first year in Buffalo, the Bills have averaged 31.5 points against Miami, which is the second-highest points-per-game average any team has against any division opponent in that span.

Allen is 14-2 in 16 career starts against the Dolphins (including playoffs). His 43 touchdowns thrown against Miami are the most by any quarterback versus a single opponent since the start of the 2018 season.

No movement

Try as he might, Bills GM Brandon Beane was left on the outside looking in by failing to improve his injury-depleted roster at the trade deadline on Tuesday.

“When you go home last night, like, damn, that was a waste of time,” Beane said Wednesday. He said the players Buffalo expressed most interest in were not being moved, while noting the team was also hard-pressed to make a deal because of limited salary cap space.

Ultimately, he said, it takes two to make a trade. “It’s not a store where you can just go in and say, `Hey, I’ll pay $20 and take this player,’” Beane said.

Safety valve

Safety Jordan Poyer’s return to Buffalo is paying off in two big ways. The 14-year player not only has his old starting job back, Poyer’s getting credit for tutoring Cole Bishop, a first-time starter in his second season.

Cut by Buffalo following the 2023 season for salary cap reasons, Poyer spent last year in Miami before signing to the Bills practice squad in August. A season-ending knee injury to starter Taylor Rapp led to Poyer being signed to the active roster last week. The 34-year-old previously established himself during seven seasons in Buffalo, where he and Micah Hyde formed the team’s starting tandem.

By the numbers

Miami’s offense enters Week 10 ranked seventh in the NFL in short-yardage third down conversions, while the defense is ranked 10th in the red zone. Miami is one of only four teams in the league this year with a 100% goal-to-go efficiency rate, finding the end zone in all 12 of its goal-to-go situations

Allen has not committed a turnover in his past two games after combining for four interceptions and a lost fumble over a three-game span. Allen is 5-0 this season and 37-7 overall when not committing a turnover. He’s 45-29 when he does throw an interception or lose a fumble.

Fans went to Hard Rock Stadium Wednesday to donate essential supplies, including first aid kits, portable radios and batteries.

The organization’s move to support Jamaica comes as a way to unite the South Florida community, with its many roots to the island, band together in a time of need.

“We know that many of our employees, many of the community members, are directly impacted. Whether they have homes there, their families are still there, so it’s important that we show that solidarity and support in the community, as we do day in and day out, but especially when a natural disaster hits,” said Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller.

For more ways to send supplies to those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, click here.

The Dolphins quarterback is hoping to return to that form but hasn’t nearly reached those same heights in the first half of Miami’s 2025 season with 1,799 yards passing and 11 interceptions, which is tied for the most in the NFL.

Tagovailoa’s performance, coupled with Miami’s dismal 2-7 record, has reignited questions on the quarterback’s future with the Dolphins. But both Tagovailoa and coach Mike McDaniel have dispelled the notion that the quarterback’s starting role is in jeopardy.

“I wouldn’t say I’m playing to keep my job,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “I think I’m playing to help our team win every time. I think that’s the objective for every quarterback that’s playing. For every football player that’s playing as well, the objective is ‘how can I help my team win games?’”

“So I would say if you’re looking at it in that sense, I would say my performance needs to be better. My performance doesn’t reflect me trying to keep my job because that’s not the standard I’ve been playing (to) all these other years.”

Tagovailoa has taken accountability for the Dolphins’ offensive deficiencies. Miami has the 27th-ranked total offense in the league, averaging just 291.4 yards and 20 points per game.

“(Improvement) starts with me in my phase of the way I’ve played in years past,” Tagovailoa said, “and the conviction that I’ve wanted to play with this year. It helps with a trickle-down effect.”

Just two seasons ago, Tagovailoa threw a career-best 29 touchdowns, was selected to his first Pro Bowl and earned a big payday after staying healthy for a full season.

What’s missing this season?

“The conviction aspect,” Tagovailoa said. “The confidence is there, but it’s looking back at the film with the way that I’ve been playing prior and just (saying) ‘What was going on there?’ I just was in the flow state throughout that. And just trying to get back to that and figure that out again.”

It’s not the first time in his career that Tagovailoa has faced speculation about his future with the Dolphins. He was heavily criticized his first two seasons in the NFL after not producing at the level expected when Miami drafted him fifth overall in 2020. That scrutiny grew so intense that many believed the Dolphins were ready to move on from him altogether, with widespread reports linking the team to a potential trade for then-Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Tagovailoa’s immediate improvement when McDaniel took over as Miami’s coach in 2022 quelled those criticisms. He improved as a passer and a leader, which led to his franchise-record $212.4 million, four year extension in 2024.

McDaniel has defended Tagovailoa this season despite his inconsistency and reiterated this week that Tagovailoa will be Miami’s starter moving forward.

“There’s 11 players on the field playing every play, and they need him to help make them the best players they can be,” McDaniel said Wednesday. “That’s the power of the quarterback. And focusing on how he addresses his teammates, how he gets the team in and out of the huddle, how convicted he is — those things are the bedrock of his game. And he doesn’t have to do more than that.”

To kick off the holiday season, Miami Dolphins players and staff teamed up with Goya Foods to host a Thanksgiving dinner for 32 families as part of the Football UNITES program.

“I think it’s an awesome event for us to be out here and just be able to help, to put a smile on everybody else’s face, make somebody else’s day for once,” said Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington. “I think this tradition is very nice for and for us to just all be together doing this as a team.”

Several Fins players put their teamwork on display, serving turkey and other traditional holiday sides from Adam’s Catering, a small business partner within the Miami Dolphins Community Restaurant Program, to excited fans.

“I think it’s always a cool thing when we get back out here and be amongst the people, break bread with the people and just kind of not be football players for a day, be human beings. Come out here with the kids and family and just have a good time,” said Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

Fans also got to hang out with the players and get autographs as they enjoyed their meals.

“It’s so good and it’s such a good experience to meet footballers,” said Fins fan Alexandria Jefferson. “It’s so amazing here. I love it, and the food is delicious too.”

Families were also given a bag of Goya products and a $100 gift card for Publix.

“Goya has been a partner for multiple years and it just helps, it’s something else that people can take with them. This is a tough time for a lot of families and so we’re focused on that and how we can serve,” said Dolphins Vice President of Community Affairs Kim Miller. “You’ll see more from us throughout the season of giving.”

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized or announced.

It’s a move that reunites Phillips with Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who was in that same role with Miami in 2023. And Phillips was on pace for a huge year that season before a season-ending Achilles tendon tear, with 6 1/2 sacks and 43 tackles in only eight games.

The trade is the first one orchestrated by Dolphins interim general manager Champ Kelly, who assumed that job after longtime GM Chris Grier parted ways with the franchise last week.

“I have a high regard and a lot of investment into Jaelan Philips,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday afternoon. “That part of the business, I absolutely dislike in terms of having to say goodbye to a player. That being said — it was a trade that we got back compensation. I understand the value of that compensation.”

Phillips figures to be an instant boost for the Eagles’ pass rush. Philadelphia has only 16 sacks through eight games, tied for ninth fewest in the league so far this season.

Phillips, drafted by the Dolphins from the University of Miami in 2021, is making $13.3 million in the final season of his rookie deal. He’ll be a free agent following the season.

Phillips set a franchise rookie record with 8 1/2 sacks in his first season in the NFL and followed that with 7 sacks the next year. After returning from the 2023 Achilles injury, Phillips tore his ACL in Week 4 of the 2024 season.

He has 25 tackles, three sacks and three tackles for loss this season.

The Dolphins are 2-7, ahead of only the New York Jets and Tennessee in the AFC standings and well out of playoff contention. It’s likely they will be involved in more trade talks before Tuesday’s deadline.

“Conversations happen every single year,” McDaniel said. “Sometimes there’s more reports than our actual reality. … I’m always expecting the unexpected. You’re ready for whatever. We haven’t made a major move because it hasn’t made sense for the Miami Dolphins. Does that mean there won’t be something? Who knows. That’s partially our control, partially on other teams.”

The news of Grier’s departure after a 10-year tenure came after the Dolphins lost 28-6 against the Ravens at home, Thursday night, dropping the team’s record to 2-7.

Fans in the crowd voiced their displeasure with the team’s major backslide this year, booing throughout the game and much of the season.

Some devoted fans said they are fed up with years of up and down performances, with no playoff success to show for it.

“Season ticket holder, I go to every game and it’s just, it’s time, you know, we’ve been dealing with this for, what, 20 years,” said Russell Sweet.

Team owner Stephen Ross announced that he and Grier came to a mutual agreement to part ways, Friday.

Some fans who were enjoying a day of nice weather outside at Tarpon River Brewing in Fort Lauderdale welcomed the news about Grier.

“Whatever makes us better ’cause it’s been an awful season, it really has,” said Maria Sweet, a season ticket holder.

Thursday night’s blowout was an amalgamation of miscues and struggles in a tumultuous season for the Dolphins, including several penalty calls and only two field goals accounting for the team’s points.

Fans said it was a painful game to watch.

With 2 minutes and 36 minutes left in the first quarter of the game, fans could be heard on the broadcast already booing the team as they faced a 7-3 deficit.

“Something had to change, and the changes probably are not finished at this point,” said David Heartness, a Fins fan. “You get frustrated when things aren’t going the way that you want to and nobody’s out there to lose and these are grown men, paid professionals, and you want to win.”

For weeks, rumors have suggested Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has been on the hot seat.

Now reports suggest McDaniel is expected to remain in his position at least through the rest of the season.

With a new general manager on the way, it’s unclear if McDaniel will keep his job beyond this season.

Fans at the game believed McDaniel made some questionable play calls in a game riddled with problems from the opening kickoff.

“We were at the game last night. There’s some head-scratching plays and decisions that were made there so you have to make some changes,” said Heartness.

Some wore paper bags over their heads, silent symbols of embarrassment. Others had no trouble verbalizing their frustration as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, coach Mike McDaniel and the slumping Dolphins lumbered off the field.

By Friday morning, change began with Chris Grier, Miami’s general manager for the past decade, dismissed after Thursday’s 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which dropped the Dolphins to 2-7. The move marked what many see as the first step in a necessary reset for a roster with glaring deficiencies that has failed to meet expectations.

“I want to thank the fans for their continued support and passion for this team,” Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said in a statement Friday morning, noting that the decision to part ways was mutual between Grier and the team. “You deserve a championship-caliber team you can be proud of. There’s much work ahead to return the Dolphins to sustained success, and that work begins now, finishing the season strong, evaluating all areas of our football operation, and moving forward with a clear vision for the future.”

McDaniel, who has been on the hot seat all season, is expected to keep his job at least through the end of the regular season, per ESPN.

McDaniel was visibly upset on the sideline Thursday at some of the Dolphins’ sloppy mistakes and spoke Friday about the team’s overall frustration with the way the season has gone. The Dolphins were blown out by Indianapolis in their season opener amid a three-game losing streak to start the 2025 campaign, then embarrassed again at Cleveland amid another three-game skid.

Just when it appeared some of their mistakes were being corrected in their Week 8 win over Atlanta, the Dolphins put forth another dud against the Ravens.

“I think you guys saw how I felt about some of those things on the field,” McDaniel said, “and that just comes from controlling the controllables and going into a game knowing we can’t beat ourselves, and then beating ourselves is frustrating to the nth degree.”

With the NFL trade deadline coming up on Tuesday, many will wait to see if the Dolphins move on from some of their stars to acquire pieces for the future, though McDaniel has declined to engage in trade talks and a few weeks ago called trade rumors “baseless.”

McDaniel added Friday he felt his message was still getting through to players. And players have expressed confidence in their ability to salvage the season.

“We had a pretty heartfelt conversation in there after the game,” Tagovailoa said Thursday. “After that conversation, I feel like guys are going to go away, they’re going to do what they need to do, but when we come back on Monday, we’re ready to work.”

What’s working

For all the problems Miami has had with consistency this season, the Dolphins have one of the better red-zone and goal-to-go offenses in the NFL. Miami entered Week 9 as one of only four teams in the league with a 100% goal-to-go efficiency rate, finding the end zone in all 12 of its goal-to-go situations. Before going 0-for-3 in the red zone on Thursday, Tagovailoa was second in the NFL in passer rating (117.1) and fifth in completion percentage (69.4%) in that area.

What needs help

Sloppy offense and undisciplined mistakes on defense have characterized the Dolphins — whether it has been trouble getting plays in on time, players unsure where to line up out of the huddle, pre-snap confusion or frustrating penalties at inopportune times.

Stock up

RB De’Von Achane. The third-year running back has been the Dolphins’ best player, with four games recording 100-plus scrimmage yards. Achane has 880 scrimmage yards this season, fourth most in the NFL.

Stock down

Tagovailoa and the defensive front share the blame here. Tagovailoa has had a couple of bright moments, including his four-touchdown outing to lead Miami to a win over the Falcons, but his play overall just hasn’t been good enough. Ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 matchups, Tagovailoa led the NFL with 11 interceptions.

Just as surprising as Tagovailoa’s apparent regression has been the lackluster performance of Miami’s defensive front, which was expected to be the team’s strength. Instead, the Dolphins have not gotten consistent pressure and have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.

Injuries

OL James Daniels (pec) and K Jason Sanders (hip) are expected to play this season, per McDaniel. Daniels hasn’t played since Week 1. Sanders has been on IR since the preseason. On OL Austin Jackson (toe), who is also eligible to return from IR, McDaniel said he is “confident” he will return. … OL Liam Eichenberg has been out with an undisclosed injury and is unlikely to play this season. … LB Chop Robinson is in the concussion protocol.

Key number

The Dolphins have a minus-8 turnover differential. An inability to protect the ball is what McDaniel has pointed to as a main reason for the Dolphins’ losing record.

Next steps

Senior personnel executive Champ Kelly will be Miami’s interim general manager the rest of the season, starting with next Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. He figures to oversee any trade moves at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

Jackson threw for 204 yards and four touchdowns, showing little rust in his return from a right hamstring strain, and the Ravens routed the Miami Dolphins 28-6.

The two-time MVP completed 18 of 23 passes in his first start since Week 4 against Kansas City, and the Ravens (3-5) won their second straight as they hope to make a run in the wide-open AFC North.

“It felt great,” Jackson said. “I didn’t have any problems. I was feeling good out there.”

Tight end Mark Andrews made two touchdown catches. Jackson’s other TD passes went to tight end Charlie Kolar and receiver Rashod Bateman.

Derrick Henry rushed 119 yards on 19 carries. Jackson ran the ball five times for 14 yards.

Jackson connected on his first nine passes of the second half before he finally missed DeAndre Hopkins on a deep throw in the final minute of the third quarter. The game was out of reach by then, and Jackson had already thrown for his fourth TD — a 9-yard toss to Bateman that put Baltimore up 28-6.

“It’s do or die,” Jackson said. “Win or go home. Usually we start off winning games. But right now we’re behind, and we’ve all got to step it up.”

The Ravens were 1-5 just five days ago but have put together consecutive impressive wins after Tyler Huntley led them to a 30-16 victory over Chicago last Sunday.

“We had two games that we needed to win in four days,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. “And they were absolute must-wins. And for our guys to step up the way they did … is commendable. And it just means we’re two games under .500. That’s all it means. But we’re two games under .500, right? We were four games under .500.”

Tua Tagovailoa, who completed 25 of 40 passes for 261 yards with an interception, led the Dolphins 80 yards down the field early in the fourth, a promising drive that included two fourth-down conversions. But receiver Malik Washington fumbled at the 10, and Dolphins fans began to exit Hard Rock Stadium en masse with more than 10 minutes remaining.

“You want to dictate the terms. You want to fix stuff,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “That sucks. All of that does. But it’s a pretty consistent formula of — fans enjoy winning. Our expectation is that we have to do that work and do the right things for fans to enjoy the experience. Unfortunately we didn’t do that tonight, so we’ve got to get back to work to give them something to cheer about.”

De’Von Achane had 14 carries for 67 yards. Jaylen Waddle caught six passes for 82 yards.

The Dolphins (2-7) outgained the Ravens 226 yards to 109 and held them to 1 of 6 on third down in the first half, but Miami trailed 14-6 because of a slew of mistakes.

On Miami’s second drive, rookie Tahj Washington fumbled at the Dolphins 4, and Andrews caught a 2-yard TD from Jackson on fourth down on the Ravens’ ensuing possession.

Achane led the Dolphins back down the field with runs of 19 and 22 yards, but a false start by offensive lineman Larry Borom on fourth-and-1 forced Miami to kick a field goal, which Riley Patterson missed from 35 yards out.

The Ravens’ offense answered again. Jackson escaped the grasp of linebacker Jaelan Phillips and connected with Isaiah Likely for a 35-yard pickup, which set up Andrews’ 20-yard score — aided by two Dolphins defenders running into each other in coverage — that put Baltimore ahead 14-3.

“Against a good team like that, you just can’t give them an inch,” Phillips said, “or they’ll take a mile.”

Miami’s only points were Patterson’s field goals of 49 and 43 yards.

Good company

Jackson became the fourth player in NFL history to throw at least four touchdown passes against the Dolphins in at least three games. Tom Brady did it five times, and Josh Allen and Drew Bledsoe both did it three times.

Jacksons’ previous two such games against Miami were both of the five-TD, no-interception variety.

Bad call?

Just when it appeared the Dolphins were regaining momentum in the second, rookie running back Ollie Gordon was flagged for tripping on a play where it appeared that he slipped. The penalty wiped out a 36-yard catch by Waddle.

“I saw a guy … slip,” McDaniel said, “and he was called for intentionally tripping somebody. That’s what I saw.”

Injuries

Dolphins: Gordon (ankle), LB Chop Robinson (concussion), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (toe) and CB Rasul Douglas (toe) left with injuries.

Up next

Ravens: At Minnesota on Sunday, Nov. 9.

Dolphins: Host Buffalo on Nov. 9.

The decision comes after Miami fell to 2-7 on the season following Thursday night’s 28-6 rout against the Baltimore Ravens.

During Grier’s tenure — he has been with the organization since 2000, and general manager since 2016 — the Dolphins recorded five winning seasons and three playoff appearances but failed to win a postseason game. Miami’s 25-year playoff win drought remains the longest active streak in the NFL.

“As I assessed the state of the team and in my discussions with Chris, it became clear to both of us that change could not wait,” Miami owner Stephen Ross said in a statement. “We must improve — in 2025, 2026 and beyond — and it needs to start right now.”

After the Dolphins were eliminated from the postseason following the 2024 regular-season finale, Ross issued a statement saying Grier and Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel would continue to lead the organization “with my full support,” while cautioning against the “status quo.”

McDaniel, who has fielded questions about his job security all season, is expected to remain as Miami’s head coach at least through the rest of the season, ESPN reported Friday morning.

Dolphins senior personnel executive Champ Kelly will be Miami’s interim general manager the rest of the season, and the team will begin its search for a permanent GM.

“I have always been and remain committed to building a winning team that consistently competes for championships,” Ross said. “I am incredibly proud of our leadership as an NFL organization and our continued commitment to the community, but our performance on the field and our team-building process have not been good enough. There are no excuses.”

Grier rose through the Dolphins’ scouting ranks before being promoted to general manager in 2016. During his tenure, he oversaw several key acquisitions that produced cornerstone players for the franchise, but ultimately failed to deliver the playoff success long expected in Miami.

His first ever draft pick as GM was the 2016 selection Laremy Tunsil, who went on to be a Pro Bowl offensive tackle after being traded to Houston for a bevy of picks that ultimately allowed the Dolphins to acquire stars like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Bradley Chubb.

Other successful draft picks by Grier included Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He also acquired key veterans like left tackle Terron Armstead, running back Raheem Mostert and defensive end Calais Campbell in free agency and traded for All-Pro Jalen Ramsey in 2023.

But Grier faced criticism on numerous roster construction decisions, including a failure to invest in an offensive line and neglecting the backup quarterback position in 2024, when Tagovailoa missed six games because of a concussion and hip injury.

“I want to thank the fans for their continued support and passion for this team,” Ross said. “You deserve a championship-caliber team you can be proud of. There’s much work ahead to return the Dolphins to sustained success, and that work begins now, finishing the season strong, evaluating all areas of our football operation, and moving forward with a clear vision for the future.”

Here is Ross’ statement in full:

“This morning, I made the decision along with general manager Chris Grier to mutually part ways. I have incredible respect for Chris and his family, and I want to thank him for his many contributions to the Miami Dolphins over the past 26 years.

“As I assessed the state of the team and in my discussions with Chris, it became clear to both of us that change could not wait. We must improve — in 2025, 2026 and beyond — and it needs to start right now. Champ Kelly will serve as interim general manager effective immediately, and we will begin our search process for a new general manager. I want to thank Champ for stepping up and his commitment to the Dolphins success this season. There is a lot of football left to play and we all need to fight even harder.

“I have always been and remain committed to building a winning team that consistently competes for championships. I am incredibly proud of our leadership as an NFL organization and our continued commitment to the community, but our performance on the field and our team-building process have not been good enough. There are no excuses. I want to thank the fans for their continued support and passion for this team. You deserve a championship-caliber team you can be proud of. There’s much work ahead to return the Dolphins to sustained success, and that work begins now, finishing the season strong, evaluating all areas of our football operation, and moving forward with a clear vision for the future.”

The airplane with the sign calling for coach Mike McDaniel’s firing that flew before the previous three home games didn’t appear on Thursday. But jeering from fans intensified during the second half as Miami’s record dropped to 2-7.

“Yeah, it sucks. I think it’s a pretty consistent formula of fans enjoy winning,” McDaniel said. “Our expectation is we have to do the work and do the right things for fans to enjoy the experience and unfortunately, we didn’t do that tonight.”

Self-inflicted wounds became the overriding narrative which doomed the Dolphins.

A turnover inside their red zone that the Ravens cashed in with their first touchdown; defenders colliding with each other resulting in a touchdown pass; and a false start penalty that stalled a first-half drive were the among the notable mistakes.

“It wasn’t for lack of effort and I thought that we came out and had the ability to take control of this game like the last game,” McDaniel said. “Unfortunately, in critical points of execution, we fell short.”

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson returned after missing three games because of a hamstring injury, yet the Dolphins controlled the clock in the first half. The two-time league MVP was more of a spectator as Miami had 18:59 in time of possession and outgained Baltimore 226-108.

But all the Dolphins had to show for their efforts were two field goals from Riley Patterson.

“We did some things well but gave up a couple plays,” Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick collided with safety Dante Trader that allowed Jackson to find Mark Andrews for a 20-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that put Baltimore ahead 14-3.

It was Jackson’s second TD pass to Andrews after Miami receiver Tahj Washington fumbled and Ravens’ safety Alohi Gilman recovered it and returned it 11 yards to the Dolphins 7 in the first quarter. On fourth down from the Miami 2, Jackson found Andrews open in the end zone for a 7-3 lead.

McDaniel became irate when a false start on offensive lineman Larry Borom forced a field-goal attempt instead of Miami trying to keep the drive going on fourth-and-1 at the Baltimore 12. But Patterson missed wide right on his 35-yard attempt.

“We were pretty fired up about the defensive look. It was what we were calling the play for,” McDaniel said. That’s flat out controllable that our team knows that keeps you from winning.”

Any hopes the Dolphins had of remaining within distance ended with the Ravens scoring touchdowns on their first two drives of the second half.

Jackson capped the first drive with a 3-yard pass to Charlie Kolar then connected with Rashod Bateman from 9 yards.

“We had a pretty heartfelt conversation after the game,” Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. “Guys are going to go away and do what they need to do and come back on Monday and be ready to work.”

“I think the main factor is you don’t live in yesterday, good or bad,” McDaniel said Monday. “The formula was that we were prepared for the opponent that we were playing that week, and prepared to do our assignments collectively and focused on the ways not to beat ourselves.”

McDaniel credited the Dolphins’ improved efficiency in both running the ball and stopping the run — which had been lacking in recent weeks — as key factors in the win. But as much praise as he had for the way the Dolphins (2-6) responded to an embarrassing rout against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7, McDaniel was equally ready to turn his attention to Thursday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

“This week, if we focus all our time, energy and everything that we’re doing attacking the Baltimore Ravens and nobody else,” McDaniel said, “it gives you an opportunity to be able to have a game like that every week. We’ve learned a lot as a team through a lot of hard lessons.

“There were positive lessons that we learned in how we prepared as well. It’ll be very important that we take it for what it was, and that was a complete and total isolated focus by a team on an opponent. And that’s your only chance to replicate that moving forward.”

Last week, both McDaniel defended embattled quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who entered Sunday with consecutive three-interception outings. Tagovailoa said the two had “tough conversations” over the past week in search for solutions, especially after Tagovailoa was benched in the fourth quarter against Cleveland.

He responded with his best performance of the season, throwing for 205 yards and four touchdowns despite waking up Sunday morning with one of his eyes swollen shut.

“Probably one of the worst experiences I’ve had in terms of waking up, and that happens on a game day,” Tagovailoa said. “My eye was swollen shut, and thanks to the medical staff, they ended up helping with antibiotics. I’m just glad I was able to go out there and play.”

Tagovailoa indicated Sunday’s performance could potentially mark a turning point in the season if the Dolphins respond the right way.

“It kind of gives us the flow back a little bit,” he said. “But it’s also what we’re looking to do with this. We get to enjoy the win, but after tomorrow, we’ve got to get back to work. It’s a short week. Do we want to feel like we did the other week or do we want to continue to build off of a game like today?”

What’s working

The Dolphins used all three of their running backs for 141 yards rushing. Two of Tagovailoa’s four touchdown passes also went to running backs. De’Von Achane led the group with 67 yards on 18 carries with a a 3-yard touchdown catch, while rookie Ollie Gordon added 46 yards on 10 carries and hauled in a 20-yard scoring reception.

What needs help

The Dolphins improved a lot of their issues that led to last week’s sloppy performance, but they can still clean up some of their operation on offense. Offensive lineman Larry Borom was flagged for an illegal formation on Miami’s second drive, and left tackle Patrick Paul was penalized for a false start.

Stock up

LB Jordyn Brooks. The veteran leads the NFL in total tackles (85) and had his best individual performance of the season against the Falcons, finishing with three tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback hit. Brooks, a captain this season, has been praised by teammates for his leadership, especially during the Dolphins’ losing streak.

Stock down

WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The veteran receiver has yet to carve out a prominent role in the Dolphins’ passing game, even as the receiving unit has been hit with injuries. Westbrook-Ikhine caught one of three targets for 18 yards on Sunday and had a drop in the red zone in the first quarter.

Injuries

Tagovailoa’s eye ailment does not appear to be a long-term issue, McDaniel said Monday. … Second-year CB Storm Duck suffered a season-ending knee injury during the game. … S Ashtyn Davis left with what McDaniel indicated was a minor quadriceps injury, but his status Thursday is in question because of the short week.

Key number

45 — The numbers of yards rushing the Dolphins’ NFL-worst rushing defense allowed Sunday. Miami had not held an opponent under 100 yards rushing in the first seven weeks.

Next steps

The Dolphins host Baltimore on Thursday night, but it’s unclear if the Ravens will start Lamar Jackson, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

The Dolphins (2-6) outgained the Falcons (3-4) 338-213. Tagovailoa, who threw three interceptions in each of his last two games, was added to the injury report before the game with an illness but showed no signs of being limited.

Tagovailoa completed 20 of 26 passes for 205 yards with scoring passes to De’Von Achane, Malik Washington, Jaylen Waddle and Ollie Gordon II.

The Falcons were without quarterback Michael Penix Jr., top wide receiver Drake London and sacks leader Zach Harrison, among others, due to injuries.

Atlanta veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins made his first start since a Dec. 16, 2024, win at Las Vegas. Cousins, who appeared in only one game this season in a backup role, couldn’t rescue the offense against a Miami defense determined to contain running back Bijan Robinson.

The Dolphins kept the Falcons out of the end zone until Tyler Allgeier’s 6-yard scoring run with 5:01 remaining.

Robinson was held to 25 rushing yards and lost a fumble inside the Miami 20 in the third quarter. The crucial turnover came on a rare strong possession for Atlanta, which was stopped without a first down on four of its first five possessions.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was rewarded for sticking with Tagovailoa this week after the quarterback was pulled in the fourth quarter of last week’s 31-6 loss at Cleveland. Tagovailoa entered Sunday’s game tied for the NFL lead with 10 interceptions. The Dolphins had no turnovers against the Falcons.

Penix was held out with a bone bruise on his left knee after being listed as questionable.

Injuries
Dolphins: CB Storm Duck left the game with a knee injury. … WR Dee Eskridge (shoulder) and S Ashtyn Davis (quad) were listed as questionable to return after leaving in the first half.

Falcons: S Jessie Bates III was ruled out after leaving the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter. … London was inactive after he was added to the injury report on Saturday with a hip injury. Harrison (knee), rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) also did not play. The team placed inside linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm) on the reserve/injured list on Saturday.

Up next
Dolphins: Miami has a short rest before playing a home game against Baltimore on Thursday night.

Falcons: Atlanta visits New England next Sunday.

In an interview on the podcast of Terron Armstead, Hill’s former Dolphins teammate, Hill said he’ll make up his mind about his career at some point. For now, his focus is on recovering from surgery he had a couple of weeks ago to repair significant damage to his left knee, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

“At the end of the day, I feel like that decision is based upon how I feel and where my mindset is at the moment,” Hill said on the podcast, which was released Thursday evening. “I’m happy with the career that I’ve had. I love playing football. I love it, but it takes a lot. It takes a lot on you mentally, it takes a lot on you physically.

“I’m at the point now where I need to have a conversation with mom, family, everybody. Wherever my mind is at the time, the decision will be made, but I know right now, I haven’t had time to live in the moment.”

Hill was hurt when he made a catch and got tackled near the Jets’ sideline in the third quarter of Miami’s Week 4 win. He was running toward the sideline and planted his left foot, and his knee twisted as he was getting pulled down.

The Dolphins placed him on season-ending injured reserve on Oct. 1.

“When I got tackled, I immediately tried to get up … I’d seen that my leg was crooked,” Hill said. “I immediately started laughing because I’ve been able to play this game for 10 years, really my entire life, and I’ve been blessed with great talents and great gifts. The amount of support I get from my family, it’s amazing. So I really wasn’t even thinking about the injury. I was thinking about the great times I’ve had playing this game.”

Hill, 31, has played 10 NFL seasons. He posted consecutive 1,700-yard receiving campaigns in his first two years with Miami, including a league-leading 1,799 yards in 2023. The five-time All-Pro entered this season aiming to regain that elite form after a relatively down year in 2024, when he recorded 81 catches for 959 yards — his lowest totals in both categories since 2019.

Whether Hill’s decorated career — which includes a Super Bowl title with Kansas City in 2020 — will continue remains uncertain. His contract with the Dolphins runs through next season.

“I just want to be in this moment with my family,” he said. “I don’t want to make any rash decisions.”

Hill expressed confidence in the Dolphins’ ability to turn things around after falling to 1-6 with last Sunday’s loss at Cleveland. He also defended quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming off consecutive three-interception games and recently called out teammates for being late to player-led meetings.

“You know how it is when you’re 1-5. Everybody’s got something to say,” Hill said. “Everybody’s apparently on the hot seat. It’s a tough situation. When we were winning, things were good. People could say whatever, and it would just go out the window. I’m going to support Tua regardless of what he’s got going on because that’s my brother. I kind of can feel what he’s saying. That should show people that he wants to win.”

Dolphins’ running back Alexander Mattison visited Camillus Health Concern on behalf of the NFL’s “Crucial Catch” initiative, which looks to raise money and spread awareness for cancer.

Mattison presented the health center with a check for $1,000.

The money will go toward helping patients with the screening process to detect cancer faster.

For Mattison, it’s a cause that hits close to home.

“It’s near and dear to my heart, what it’s like to battle cancer with my dad battling leukemia and through his journey and understanding that fight and what it takes to make it to the other side,” said Mattison.

“With this change grant, we are able to partner with diagnosis centers, which will be able to refer to patients and then pay for the screening for them,” said Camillus Health Concern’s CEO, Francis Afram-Gyening.

The “Crucial Catch” initiative has supported more than 840,000 cancer screenings for patients since 2012.

Waller was injured in the first half of Sunday’s 31-6 loss and did not return. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Monday that Waller was dealing with a soft tissue injury.

“It’s a situation that probably it would be living in hope to see him in the upcoming next weeks’ games, but he’ll be diligent,” McDaniel said. “This means a lot to him, but that’s kind of where I’m at with it right now with the information I have.”

Waller has 10 catches for 117 yards and four touchdowns in four games for the Dolphins this season. He will miss a minimum four games and will be eligible to return Week 13 against New Orleans, following Miami’s bye in Week 12.

Waller missed the first three games of the season because of a hip strain, but made an immediate impact in the Dolphins’ passing game, especially with star receiver Tyreek Hill out for the season with a knee injury.

Waller had not played in more than a year after retiring in June 2024 as a member of the New York Giants. The 33-year-old came out of retirement in July to play for Miami, but initially wasn’t practicing much with the Dolphins as he dealt with the hip injury and worked his way back into football shape.

Playing in his first NFL game in nearly two years, Waller recorded two touchdowns in the Dolphins’ Week 4 victory over the New York Jets — their only win of the season.

“I feel like I know what to do and I prepare hard,” Waller said after that game, “and just try to put myself in the right positions to win and if a play is to be made, I make it. If it’s not my turn, I’m encouraging my teammates. It was just fun, man. It felt like when I started playing football as a kid. I felt like I lost it sometimes but, yeah, tonight was pretty cool.”

Also Wednesday, Miami signed tight end Greg Dulcich to the active roster off the practice squad and signed tight end Chris Myarick to the practice squad.

Dulcich has made 10 starts in three seasons with Denver (2022-24) and the New York Giants (2024), recording 41 receptions for 464 yards and two touchdowns.

They discussed what went wrong in Tagovailoa’s last start, when he threw three interceptions for the second straight game and was pulled in the fourth quarter for rookie Quinn Ewers.

McDaniel has expressed overwhelming confidence in Tagovailoa since becoming Miami’s coach in 2022, but he has recently emphasized the need for his quarterback’s play to improve. Despite Tagovailoa’s struggles amid a 1-6 start, McDaniel indicated Wednesday that there’s no strain in the pair’s relationship.

“We had a great hour-and-a-half meeting yesterday,” McDaniel said. “We had a great hour meeting the day before, as Tua and I have always operated. I think there’s zero uncertainty with Tua on my conviction in him and my belief in him. We’re both very eager to do better at our jobs, and we’re both very committed and trusting of each other to respond to what is necessary for the team to do better.”

Tagovailoa has thrown 10 interceptions this season, tied with Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith for the most in the NFL, and he is on pace to surpass the career-high 14 picks he threw in 2023. He has completed 139 of 205 passes for 1,313 yards this season, but has appeared to regress from his 2023 form, when he threw for a career and league-best 4,624 yards.

Tagovailoa said recent conversations with McDaniel have been tough. But they’ve been needed.

“You’ve got to have that in a relationship,” Tagovailoa said Wednesday. “It can’t always be, ‘Here’s your flowers. Here’s roses. Hey man, you had a bad game? It’s alright buddy.’ You’ve got to have those tough conversations. And I’ve had those tough conversations with him this week.’”

Tagovailoa’s uneven play this season has come with massive criticism over the past few weeks, stemming largely from the quarterback calling out teammates for being late to player-led meetings, then following those statements with one of the worst performances of his career on Sunday.

Tagovailoa completed 12 of 23 passes for 100 yards against the Browns. One of his three interceptions was returned for a touchdown. And he finished with a 24.2% passer rate.

“He’s at a high-profile position, and that is the expectation,” McDaniel said, “is to have standards that he has for himself. And he knows that as the franchise quarterback, when you don’t live up to your own standard, you’re probably going to get a lot of unintended consequences by sheer result.

“And you’re going to hear about it. And I have confidence based on my history with him that he’ll respond in the appropriate manner, which I made sure to communicate with him. And he’s received it and pressed forward to the Atlanta Falcons, which our entire team is very focused on.”

Tagovailoa took accountability for his poor play, noting that his ball placement needs to improve against the Falcons, who have the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL.

Miami has a minus-6 turnover differential, and its once high-flying offense is averaging 279 total yards per game and only 92.4 on the ground — the third-lowest mark in the NFL.

“I go out there with the expectation to help our team win,” Tagovailoa said. “When you turn the ball over, and when you turn the ball over the way I have turned the ball over this year, you can’t expect to help the guys win the game. My job as the quarterback is to get our offense going, march down the field, put points on the board — regardless of what that looks like.”

McDaniel has faced almost as much criticism amid Miami’s worst start since 2021, especially after the Dolphins looked unprepared and sloppy in Sunday’s 31-6 blowout against a struggling Browns team.

He reiterated that he’s confident players are still receptive to his coaching. To make sure of it, he’s put an emphasis on having conversations with players throughout the week.

“My confidence comes from direct communication from them, not in a meeting form but quite literally on the ground floor of the facility,” McDaniel said, “whether it’s 5:45 (a.m.) this morning, or it was 5 p.m. yesterday. … They’ve been very focused on the Atlanta Falcons, which is the only thing that I care about because I know in the NFL, if you don’t have 100 percent focus on the opponent, the opponent will make you regret that.”