The visitors’ locker room had a more resolute than dejected atmosphere after the game. The Miami Dolphins, who were in town, just gave the Buffalo Bills a tougher time than they should have had from a 14-point underdog, let alone one without its starting quarterback.
Who is the Dolphins head coach?
The 34-31 wild-card defeat marked the conclusion of Mike McDaniel’s debut campaign as head coach and served as a microcosm of the unpredictable campaign.
Making the playoffs was a satisfying accomplishment, but it was also disappointing to lose quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to the concussion protocol. The defense played unexpectedly well, and McDaniel attributed a harsh delay-of-game penalty on a fourth-and-1 to a breakdown in communication.
After five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, including one as offensive coordinator in 2021, McDaniel left for Miami with a reputation as a creative, offensive-minded coach.
He was tasked with helping Tagovailoa, the No. 5 overall draft pick in 2020 who had struggled in his first two seasons, reach his full potential.
The outcomes for the three games couldn’t have been any better. For the first time in four years, the Dolphins are 3-0, and Tagovailoa’s outstanding performances have the crowd shouting “M-V-P.”
However, what appeared to be a head injury that Tagovailoa sustained in a Week 3 victory against the Bills set off a series of events that would alter the course of the story.
