The Miami Dolphins have faced criticism this season for their performance against top-tier teams. Despite hitting the 10-win mark for the first time since 2020 and only the third time since 2015, the team’s losses to the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles have sparked doubts over their ability to compete in the playoffs.
In a recent press conference, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the narrative surrounding the team’s record against contenders. He emphasized that the team’s focus is solely on their upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys and that any speculation about playoff seeds or future matchups is irrelevant.
“The thoughts are firmly with getting better from this previous game,” said McDaniel. “We’re not concerned with any narrative that has to do with good teams or playoff seeds or the next three games.”
The Dolphins are set to host the Cowboys at home on Sunday, followed by road games against potential playoff matchups against the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. The team is coming off a dominant 30-0 victory against the New York Jets, which may give them the momentum they need heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
However, the Dolphins will need to address some lingering concerns if they hope to find success in the playoffs. One of these concerns is the team’s lackluster performance against top-tier opponents. While they have managed to defeat lower-ranked teams, they have struggled to compete against some of the league’s best.
Additionally, the Dolphins’ offensive struggles have hindered their ability to keep up with high-scoring teams. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has had some promising moments this season, but his inconsistency has frustrated fans and analysts alike.