The Miami Dolphins earned the unfortunate title of biggest loser in Week 1 with a 33-8 road loss to the Indianapolis Colts. That 25-point loss was the biggest margin of defeat across the NFL’s opening week.
Miami’s offense generated just 211 total yards and 12 first downs against the Colts’ defense led by new coordinator Lou Anarumo. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went 14 of 23 passing for just 114 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and lost a fumble.
Former Dolphins and current Colts cornerback Xavien Howard said the Indianapolis defense knew how to stifle Tagovailoa and the passing offense.
‘We knew… he gets the ball out pretty quick,’ Howard said. ‘And once we take away his first read, I feel like it’s panic mode after that. And it showed yesterday.’
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel spoke critically of how Tagovailoa played in the opener.
‘I think I saw a quarterback play that was less than to be desired, which Tua absolutely knows,’ McDaniel said. ‘He’s the captain and the franchise quarterback and everybody kind of fell victim to something similar.’
Tagovailoa sailed a pass over an open Tyreek Hill in the first quarter and right to Colts safety Camryn Bynum for his first interception. On his second pick, Tagovailoa didn’t see Colts edge rusher Laiatu Latu drop into coverage over the middle. Latu was in a perfect spot to intercept the throw intended for Malik Washington.
‘Very much, like most quarterbacks to be honest, where you’re putting a lot of work into something and it’s your first time doing it for a collective four quarters in months you’re not at your best,’ McDaniel said.
Tagovailoa’s fumble gave him three turnovers on the day. It continues a trend since McDaniel came to Miami in 2022; Tagovalioa’s tied for third in the NFL among active quarterbacks in fumbles with 27 as well as tied for fourth in fumbles and interceptions combined with 58.
‘We need to have less of those with absolute certainty,’ McDaniel said. ‘I think one of the top indicators of success and failure in this league is turnover differential. And here minus three, you’re probably not going to win.
‘This past game, which every game is unique, but this one in particular where I think part of that is absolutely on (Tua), part of it is on his eligible and part of it is on the play-caller and how even you are with run and pass. I could have called a run play that play, too. We all have to be accountable and aggressively so if we want things to change.’
Miami is back at home in Week 2 for a match against divisional foe New England.
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