Posted on Oct 06

McDaniel on Dolphins' struggles: "You have to get better at things or you'll continue having the same results."

Posted Oct 6, 2025

The Miami Dolphins disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers has intensified frustrations within the organization, raising questions about the team's direction under head coach Mike McDaniel.

Why it matters: The Dolphins’ 27-24 defeat marks a pivotal moment in their season, as they now sit at a troubling 1-4 record— the worst start since 2019. This performance has prompted serious discussions among team leadership regarding accountability and future strategies.

Miami’s early success turned sour when they squandered a 17-0 lead, a trend that raises concerns about the team's ability to maintain momentum.
The Dolphins had previously been undefeated (10-0) under McDaniel when leading by three scores, underscoring the significance of this game.

What’s new: Following the game, owner Stephen Ross expressed his frustration during a post-game meeting with McDaniel, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

McDaniel acknowledged the shared disappointment with Ross, stating, "He was really frustrated, just like I was."
Both parties discussed the need to prepare for an upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, emphasizing the urgency of improving team performance.

By the numbers: Miami's shift from a dominant position to a loss reflects deeper issues within the team’s dynamics.

Carolina outscored Miami 27-7 in the latter part of the game, highlighting the Dolphins' inability to close out matches effectively.
Historical patterns show that past Dolphins coaches faced dismissals after similar poor starts; McDaniel’s tenure could be vulnerable if results do not improve.

Yes, but: Despite the current turmoil, McDaniel remains focused on solutions rather than despair.

He remarked, "It's frustrating because there's a lot of talking, and we need to major in doing," indicating a proactive approach towards necessary improvements.
His commitment to rectifying the issues suggests he is aware of the team's potential but understands the pressing need for actionable results.

Zoom Out: The Dolphins challenges are reflective of broader trends in professional football, where teams struggle to maintain early leads and adapt to the evolving landscape of offensive schemes.

The importance of strategic adjustments in response to opponent tactics cannot be overstated, especially as the NFL increasingly favors dynamic offenses and flexible defensive alignments.

What’s next: Moving forward, the Dolphins must recalibrate their focus and execution as they prepare for the Chargers.

The forthcoming game will serve as a litmus test for both McDaniel’s coaching philosophy and the players’ resolve to rebound from adversity.
Enhanced communication and execution on the field will be crucial if Miami hopes to alter its current trajectory and avoid further discontent within the franchise.

The bottom line: As the Dolphins grapple with disappointment and expectations, the pressure mounts for McDaniel and his team to deliver tangible improvements to salvage their season.

McDaniel on Dolphins' struggles: "You have to get better at things or you'll continue having the same results."

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 6, 2025

The Miami Dolphins disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers has intensified frustrations within the organization, raising questions about the team's direction under head coach Mike McDaniel.

Miami’s early success turned sour when they squandered a 17-0 lead, a trend that raises concerns about the team's ability to maintain momentum.

The Dolphins had previously been undefeated (10-0) under McDaniel when leading by three scores, underscoring the significance of this game.

What’s new: Following the game, owner Stephen Ross expressed his frustration during a post-game meeting with McDaniel, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

McDaniel acknowledged the shared disappointment with Ross, stating, "He was really frustrated, just like I was."

Both parties discussed the need to prepare for an upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, emphasizing the urgency of improving team performance.

By the numbers: Miami's shift from a dominant position to a loss reflects deeper issues within the team’s dynamics.

Carolina outscored Miami 27-7 in the latter part of the game, highlighting the Dolphins' inability to close out matches effectively.

Historical patterns show that past Dolphins coaches faced dismissals after similar poor starts; McDaniel’s tenure could be vulnerable if results do not improve.

Yes, but: Despite the current turmoil, McDaniel remains focused on solutions rather than despair.

He remarked, "It's frustrating because there's a lot of talking, and we need to major in doing," indicating a proactive approach towards necessary improvements.

His commitment to rectifying the issues suggests he is aware of the team's potential but understands the pressing need for actionable results.

Zoom Out: The Dolphins challenges are reflective of broader trends in professional football, where teams struggle to maintain early leads and adapt to the evolving landscape of offensive schemes.

The importance of strategic adjustments in response to opponent tactics cannot be overstated, especially as the NFL increasingly favors dynamic offenses and flexible defensive alignments.

What’s next: Moving forward, the Dolphins must recalibrate their focus and execution as they prepare for the Chargers.

The forthcoming game will serve as a litmus test for both McDaniel’s coaching philosophy and the players’ resolve to rebound from adversity.

Enhanced communication and execution on the field will be crucial if Miami hopes to alter its current trajectory and avoid further discontent within the franchise.

The bottom line: As the Dolphins grapple with disappointment and expectations, the pressure mounts for McDaniel and his team to deliver tangible improvements to salvage their season.