3 days ago
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Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has risked the wrath of his starting quarterback after describing Tua Tagovailoa's performance in their opening defeat to the Indianapolis Colts as 'less than to be desired'.
McDaniel is already under pressure just one game into the new season following Miami's 33-8 loss in Indianapolis, where their only touchdown of the game came midway through the fourth quarter while trailing 30-0.
It proved a miserable afternoon for the Dolphins' offense and defense, with both units handled comfortably by the hosts on the day.
After their victory, Colts cornerback Xavien Howard took a swipe at Tagovailoa after claiming he goes into 'panic mode' if his first read is covered.
McDaniel was asked about Howard's comment during a press conference on Wednesday, and the Dolphins coach didn't mince his words when assessing his quarterback.
'I saw quarterback play that was less than to be desired, which Tua absolutely knows,' he said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. 'He’s the franchise quarterback.'
Tua Tagovailoa left Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel unimpressed in their opening defeat
McDaniel said his quarterback's performance against the Colts was 'less than to be desired'
McDaniel then added: 'I also know he’s very much like most quarterbacks where you are putting a lot of work into something and your first time doing it for four quarters in months, you are not at your best.
'I don’t want to make the same mistakes twice. He and everyone else has to get better.'
As well as registering one late touchdown, Tagovailoa completed 14 of his 23 passes for 114 yards in the defeat, while also throwing two interceptions.
Understudy Zach Wilson enjoyed a late run out in the game and completed five of his eight passes for 32 yards.
Meanwhile, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones enjoyed an impressive debut after going 22/29 for 272 yards and a touchdown.
