The Miami Dolphins face a crucial test in Week 2 against the New England Patriots, a team that struggled with a 20-13 loss to the Raiders in their opener. Miami must quickly address glaring offensive issues, especially given the Patriots’ ability to generate key turnovers through a relentless defense, a challenge that Miami’s offense cannot afford to encounter again.

Following the Dolphins’ crushing 33-8 defeat to the Colts, frustration boiled over among fans, with many calling for star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to be benched. The offense was disjointed, highlighted by Tua’s three turnovers—including two interceptions and a fumble—and the ineffectiveness of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who was held to just 40 yards, mirroring the team’s overall offensive struggles.

Despite the backlash, Tua’s response to the criticism has been underwhelming, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Miami’s offensive prospects heading into the Patriots game.

Tua Tagovailoa’s response to criticism felt distant from the Dolphins’ passionate fanbase.. “I think it’s hard for me because I don’t see any of what you guys are talking about, like I don’t have any social media,” he said. The QB doesn’t use social media; his focus stays home with his family, away from the noise. “I go home, I’m with my kids, with my family, kids wanna watch Disney Channel or Disney Plus, like gonna put whatever’s on for them, then I’ll play like games with my wife while I’m while I’m there. So I wouldn’t say I get to hear a lot of that or see a lot of that.”

Tua Tagovailoa pointed out that the battle happens on the field. So, focusing on internal corrections is what matters, not the external chatter. “But it doesn’t matter anyway, like, are they going to help us win the game? Are they going to help us lose the game? Like that starts within. And so if we can look at each other and look at the things that we can correct, and things that we can help each other on to move forward to hopefully get a win, you know, this upcoming Sunday, you know, I think that’s what we should be focusing on.” And that internal work is everything that the Fins need at the moment.

The offense struggled to produce, managing only 211 yards against a modest Colts defense. The connection between Tua and Tyreek Hill was especially poor—unsurprising since they hadn’t practiced together all offseason. Hill was limited to four catches without any going over 30 yards, extending a full-year-long drought in big plays.

This inability to stretch the field appears to be sinking Miami’s offense early in the season. The loss points to broader offensive struggles, with criticism coming not just from fans but also from within the organization. Head coach Mike McDaniel has openly expressed frustration with his franchise quarterback’s performance.

Mike McDaniel calls out Tua Tagovailoa

After the game, Colts cornerback and former Dolphin Xavien Howard pointed out that if Tua’s first read is covered, he quickly falls into “panic mode.” When reporters pressed McDaniel about Howard’s comments on Aug.10, it was clear the doubts weren’t just coming from outside the locker room. “I saw quarterback play that was less than to be desired [on Sunday], which Tua absolutely knows,” McDaniel said. “He’s the franchise quarterback.” Translation: With that status comes responsibility and accountability.

But McDaniel also acknowledged Tua’s challenges: it was the quarterback’s first full game in months. “I also know he’s very much like most quarterbacks where you are putting a lot of work into something and your first time doing it for four quarters in months, you are not at your best.” However, McDaniel is clear that mistakes can’t be repeated: “I don’t want to make the same mistakes twice. He and everyone else has to get better.” 

The stakes are high. Tua’s $53.1 million annual contract demands high standards. The Dolphins get a shot at redemption against the Patriots in just a few days. McDaniel expects improvement. But the comparison to Josh Allen, who hadn’t played in preseason and turned in an MVP-caliber game, looms large. Miami’s QB needs to close that gap fast, or the early-season outlook could turn bleak, and the Fins fans won’t have much patience left.