MIAMI GARDENS — While the decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa, who had formerly and consistently been deemed the Miami Dolphins’ franchise quarterback, may have been tough for coach Mike McDaniel, he said Wednesday he removes his emotions when making such difficult decisions.
“I turn into a robot that has no emotions,” McDaniel said Wednesday before the team begins preparation for Sunday’s finale at the New England Patriots (13-3).
He said reflection will come at some point, but he must finish out the season before his mind arrives at that point.
“My feelings don’t help anyone,” McDaniel said. “That’s my role. I’m the big helper with all things. It’s my job to make tough decisions. Getting personal about decisions that have a lot of consequences for a lot of people and the collective whole, I take my job too serious even allowing myself to go there.”
McDaniel was asked to assess Tagovailoa’s downfall, going from leading the league in passer rating in 2022, passing yards in 2023 and completion percentage in 2024 to getting benched two weeks ago.
“If I had that answer, the situation wouldn’t be the way it played out,” McDaniel said.
Through it all, the Dolphins coach said has seen Tagovailoa maintain his leadership role.
“He’s had a chance to really show people who he is,” McDaniel said. “Although he has his personal feelings, I’m sure he could talk at length, he’s also understanding of the captain leadership role.
“He’s not just thinking of his own experience. He’s trying to assist and help his own teammates. He has shown his true supportive colors.”
Many question whether Tagovailoa’s injury history, particularly his multiple hip injuries, have curtailed his ability to throw with velocity, along with his physical movements.
McDaniel said he has seen passers lose velocity and then regain it later either due to injury recovery or mechanics adjustment, naming Nick Mullens with the San Francisco 49ers when asked for such examples.
Team awards
The Dolphins announced team award winners for the 2025 season Wednesday.
To no surprise, running back De’Von Achane was deemed the Dan Marino Team MVP, as voted by local media members who regularly cover the team.
Achane, with 1,350 rushing yards this season, has the franchise’s second-best rushing season within his sights ahead of Sunday at New England. His 1,838 scrimmage yards entering the finale already rank him second in franchise history.
“It’s a great accomplishment,” Achane said. “It’s a team MVP, so that means it was voted for the team. It ain’t got anything to do with 31 teams, just the Miami Dolphins. For them to choose me, that’s one of the great accomplishments.”
Added left tackle Patrick Paul of Achane: “He’s been having an unbelievable year. He’s one of the best, if not the best, running backs in the NFL.”
Aside from Achane, linebacker Jordyn Brooks earned the Don Shula Leadership Award selected by teammates, outside linebacker Cameron Goode was named the team’s Ed Block Courage Award winner by the team’s training staff and tight end Julian Hill was honored with the Nat Moore Community Service Award.
In addition to the season awards earned Wednesday, Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his two sacks, one of them causing a forced fumble that was recovered by Miami.
Injury report
Dolphins not practicing Wednesday ahead of the team’s Sunday finale against the Patriots were Achane, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, Brooks and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, outside linebacker Chop Robinson and tight end Darren Waller.
Achane has a new shoulder ailment that surfaced on the team’s injury report.
Waddle hurt his ribs last Sunday against the Buccaneers and returned to the game but only totaled 14 snaps.
Brooks, who has the league lead in tackles on the line, hurt his hamstring in the Bucs game. On Wednesday, he was working out on the side of drills.
Also working out on the side was Robinson, who is navigating concussion protocol this week.
Waller is nursing a groin injury.
Center Aaron Brewer (neck) and kicker Jason Sanders (right hip) were both limited participants at Wednesday drills.
For the Patriots, as defensive tackle Christian Barmore goes through legal troubles that coach Mike Vrabel told New England reporters shouldn’t keep him off the field Sunday, he missed Wednesday practice ill.
Also missing practice were tight end Hunter Henry (knee), outside linebacker Harold Landry (knee), linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle), defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (foot), fullback Jack Westover (ankle) and guard Jared Wilson (concussion protocol).
Rookie left tackle and top draft pick Will Campbell could be on his way to an activation from injured reserve, as he practiced in full Wednesday through his recovering knee ailment.
