Dolphins QB Tagovailoa on players-only meeting: "Points of emphasis and how we want to go about it."

The Miami Dolphins are addressing their disappointing start to the season with a players-only meeting following a humbling 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Why it matters: This early setback has significant implications for the Dolphins, as they aim to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles, where they started 2-6 before finishing at 8-9 and missing the playoffs by just two games.

• The Dolphins were dominated on both sides of the ball, allowing the Colts to score on all seven of their offensive possessions while managing only 211 yards of offense—the lowest total under head coach Mike McDaniel when Tua Tagovailoa starts.
• With a critical three-game stretch against divisional opponents looming, the urgency to regroup is palpable.

What’s new: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the meeting, emphasizing collective accountability and the need for improvement.

• “I got the offense together and we had a meeting about things that we wanted to do to hang our hats on this week,” Tagovailoa stated, highlighting points of emphasis for the upcoming games.
• His performance against the Colts was subpar, completing just 14 of 23 passes for 114 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, and losing a fumble, which contributed to his career-worst passer rating in a full game.

Yes, but: Despite the challenging loss, the Dolphins remain optimistic about their potential.

• Linebacker Jordyn Brooks noted the importance of maintaining team cohesion, stating, "Losing the way we did can be discouraging... just kind of making sure that everybody's together."
• The team's ability to bounce back will be crucial as they face the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets in succession.

What to watch: As Miami prepares for a pivotal matchup against the Patriots, the focus will be on how well they can adjust their offensive strategy.

• The Dolphins offensive scheme, which relies heavily on quick passing and play-action, must become more effective if they hope to exploit the weaknesses of their upcoming opponents.
• Defensively, the team needs to address its inability to stop opposing offenses, a trend that was particularly evident in their latest matchup.

The bottom line: The players-only meeting signals a proactive approach from the Dolphins, who know that immediate improvements are essential not only for morale but also for salvaging their season.

• With the stakes high in the upcoming weeks, how the Dolphins respond to this wake-up call could define their trajectory in the competitive AFC East.