The Miami Dolphins are facing a difficult season, currently holding a 1-6 record after a tough 31-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The team’s struggles have raised many questions, particularly about the performance and utilization of key players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. With star receiver Tyreek Hill sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, Waddle has been expected to step up as the team’s top receiving threat. However, his limited involvement in the recent blowout loss has puzzled fans and analysts alike.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s 27-year-old quarterback, addressed the question of why Waddle saw so few targets during the game. Tagovailoa explained that part of the issue stemmed from his ability to see his receivers downfield during plays. Standing at 6-foot-1, Tagovailoa admitted that he isn’t among the tallest quarterbacks in the NFL, and this physical limitation sometimes affects his visibility, especially when opposing defenses and his own offensive line create congestion at the line of scrimmage. “I’m not the tallest guy in the back there either. So, being able to see, and then sometimes when that happens, you don’t want to just throw it blindly, and you gotta progress,” Tagovailoa said.
This admission sheds light on a critical challenge facing the Dolphins’ offense. For any quarterback, clear sightlines to receivers are crucial for effective passing. Despite Waddle’s status as the team’s leading receiver in Hill’s absence, Tagovailoa targeted him only four times in the game against Cleveland. Waddle caught just one pass for 15 yards, marking one of his lowest output games since Week 14 of the previous season, when he was limited due to a knee injury. The Browns’ defense was dominant throughout the match, intercepting Tagovailoa three times and holding him to just 12 completions for 100 yards. This performance underscored Miami’s broader offensive struggles this season.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has emphasized his commitment to Tagovailoa, highlighting the close working relationship between the coach and the quarterback. McDaniel described a recent hour-and-a-half meeting with Tagovailoa as “great,” reinforcing his belief in the quarterback’s abilities despite the team’s current difficulties. “I think there’s zero uncertainty with Tua on my conviction in him and my belief in him,” McDaniel told reporters. The coach stressed that both he and Tagovailoa are eager to improve and are fully committed to doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed.
However, the numbers tell a story of a quarterback who is struggling to find consistency and rhythm. Tagovailoa currently leads the NFL in interceptions with 10, which nearly matches his total touchdown passes of 11. Through seven games, he has thrown for 1,313 yards with a completion rate of 67.8%, statistics that reflect both promise and frustration. The high interception count is particularly concerning, as turnovers have often stalled the Dolphins’ offensive momentum.
As Miami tries to navigate a challenging season, the questions surrounding how to best utilize their offensive weapons, including how to maximize Waddle’s impact, remain pressing. Tagovailoa’s explanation about visibility issues offers some insight but also highlights the need for better protection and offensive line performance to open up passing lanes. The Dolphins’ offensive struggles are compounded by injuries and the difficulty of developing timing and cohesion on a weekly basis, as McDaniel has noted.
The Dolphins’ disappointing start has not gone unnoticed by commentators and former NFL players, some of whom have been critical of the team’s overall direction and performance. Despite this, the coaching staff and players appear determined to confront their issues head-on and find a path forward. The team’s next steps will likely involve adjustments in strategy, continued focus on building chemistry, and addressing the challenges that have hampered their offense.
In summary, the Miami Dolphins’ 2025 season has been marked by significant hurdles, especially on offense. Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles to see his receivers clearly and the limited involvement of Jaylen Waddle in recent games highlight deeper issues in the team’s offensive execution. While head coach Mike McDaniel maintains confidence in Tagovailoa, the quarterback’s high interception rate and the team’s poor record underscore the urgent need for improvement. As the Dolphins look ahead, finding solutions to these problems will be