Tagovailoa on Dolphins' struggles: "The only place we can go is next week."

The Miami Dolphins are struggling with a disappointing 1-5 start as internal issues and late-game failures continue to plague the team.

Why it matters: The Dolphins performance this season is raising concerns about leadership and accountability within the organization. With four losses in games where they trailed by one score in the final two minutes, the team's inability to close out tight contests has become a focal point for both players and coaches.

By the numbers: Tua Tagovailoa faced significant criticism after throwing three interceptions during a recent game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

• Despite a late touchdown pass to Darren Waller that put the Dolphins ahead with just 46 seconds remaining, Miami's defense surrendered a winning field goal to the Chargers shortly thereafter.

What’s new: Head coach Mike McDaniel has emphasized the need for player-led initiatives to address attendance and accountability issues that have reportedly haunted the team since last season.

• Tardiness and absences were documented problems, with key players like Jalen Ramsey and Tyreek Hill noted as frequent offenders.

Yes, but: While there are signs of progress in communication, the Dolphins must translate their potential into victories.

• Tagovailoa asserted that effective leadership is vital for setting expectations among teammates: "I think it starts with the leadership in helping articulate that for the guys."

What to watch: As the Dolphins move further into the season, their ability to foster an accountable team culture may dictate their future success.

• The upcoming weeks will be crucial, especially with injuries sidelining playmakers like Tyreek Hill, which places additional pressure on other offensive contributors.

The bottom line: The Dolphins face a critical juncture in their season, needing to unify as a team and enhance their late-game execution if they hope to turn around a dismal start.

• "There’s zero victory that would be considered moral," McDaniel remarked, emphasizing the urgency of competing more effectively in crunch time.

As Miami navigates these challenges, the interplay between internal dynamics and on-field performance will determine whether they can recover from this rocky beginning.