Oct 19, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) signals to his team at the line of scrimmage against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

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Dolphins: A Quarterback Change Under Consideration?

NFL – The Miami Dolphins appear to be at a crossroads.

The Miami Dolphins’ performance against the Cleveland Browns continues to spark discussion after Week 7 of the season. At the center of the criticism: head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. With three interceptions thrown, Tagovailoa delivered one of his toughest outings to date — so much so that McDaniel left the door open for potential major adjustments.

“Everything is on the table” for the Dolphins

Speaking after the game, McDaniel made it clear that “everything is on the table” regarding upcoming decisions. Without announcing any immediate changes, he refused to rule anything out, emphasizing that everyone on the team — himself included — must take responsibility after what he described as a “humiliating” defeat.

When asked about Tagovailoa, the coach admitted that several turnovers were avoidable and that their impact was decisive in the final outcome. He plans to review the game film in detail before deciding on any tactical or stylistic changes. McDaniel didn’t directly mention a potential replacement by Quinn Ewers or Zach Wilson, but his comments made it clear that no option would be ignored if the mistakes continue.

Tua Tagovailoa — a quarterback hard to bench?

The contractual context adds another layer to the situation. Tagovailoa is guaranteed $54 million in 2026, but the franchise isn’t obligated to keep him on the field if the results don’t follow. A temporary or even longer benching isn’t out of the question, despite his high-profile status.

The upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons could serve as a defining moment: either the quarterback bounces back and restores confidence, or conversations about a change in offensive direction will grow more serious.

In Miami, the message is clear: patience has limits, and repeated mistakes will not go unpunished — for the quarterback, and perhaps for the head coach, whose job appears increasingly at risk.

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Tua Tagovailoa

Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.