Dolphins' McDaniel Says Struggles Can't Get 'Worse' After 'Miserable' Loss to Colts

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel had an optimistic outlook in the wake of his team's 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, sort of.

After sleeping on it for a day, McDaniel told reporters the "good news" is that it's hard to imagine how things "could be worse" following the "miserable experience" of Week 1:

"It was embarrassing flat out, and in that there's nowhere to hide. Within the game, it's almost good that it wasn't reachable, that we were minus-four [in turnover margin], because as a team we have to—I was really looking forward to seeing the stuff that we've really worked on diligently, and I didn't see any of it, and that's a problem."

There was nothing that worked for the Dolphins against the Colts. Their 25-point margin of defeat was the worst for Miami since Week 17 of the 2023 season when it lost 56-19 to the Baltimore Ravens.

Indianapolis had nearly twice as many yards as the Dolphins (418 to 211). Tua Tagovailoa turned the ball over three times, including on each of Miami's first two offensive possessions (one interception, one fumble).

For a club that entered this season under a lot of pressure coming off a disappointing 2024, as well as some turmoil in the locker room among players, Week 1 was about as disastrous a performance as any team in the NFL had.

The Ravens lost in crushing fashion to the Buffalo Bills, but no one came out of that game thinking they won't be among the best teams in the AFC.

Miami wasn't necessarily expected to be among the worst teams in the AFC because its record when Tagovailoa is healthy is strong (38-25), but this was jarring not least of which because the Colts aren't exactly loaded with talent.

Daniel Jones was cast aside by the New York Giants because of how poorly he played in 2024. He went 22-of-29 for 272 yards and accounted for three touchdowns against Miami's defense.

McDaniel, who entered the season ranked among the coaches on the hot seat, didn't get off to a good start if he is working to save his job.

The Dolphins will look to right the ship with a winnable game in Week 2 against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami has won four straight games against its AFC East rival dating back to the 2023 season.