MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters in advance of the game against the New York Jets.
The winless teams meet on “Monday Night Football” on Sept. 29 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Highlights:
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What more can Tua Tagovailoa give this team?
McDaniel was asked what Tua Tagovailoa could be doing better, based on what McDaniel knows Tagovailoa is capable of.
“There’s a ton of things based on my experience with him,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel talked about Tagovailoa needing to take advantage of opportunities and doing better with ball security.
“It’s not an easy task to be in his shoes but I’ve very happy where his mind is at and his focus is at.”
Have opponents ‘figured out’ Miami’s offense?
McDaniel says that theory is based on explosive plays and yardage totals.
“You have to walk before you run,” McDaniel said, adding that some good runs have helped to keep defenses honest and could help the passing attack.
McDaniel said “the masses” who have certain expectations of this offense are really just seeking “winning football.”
LT Patrick Paul settling in as starter
McDaniel was asked about LT Patrick Paul, who is in his first season as the starter, succeeding Terron Armstead.
McDaniel began his response by pointing out it’s the first question he has fielded on Paul this season, which has to be a positive sign in McDaniel’s eyes.
“I really think that we’ve just scratched the surface. I think he feels the same way.”
McDaniel said the Dolphins have “very high expectations” but “very reasonable expectations” for Paul.
Jets’ comeback gets McDaniel’s attention
On the 0-3 Jets, who staged a late comeback to nearly surprise Tampa Bay:
“In the NFL, you get humbled quick if you take your foot off the gas. They showed their internal fortitude.”
How much work will TE Darren Waller do today?
Tight end Darren Waller’s workload in practice today will be less than earlier in the week. McDaniel indicated that the plan for Waller in the immediate future is rotating his hard and easier days.
The Dolphins still plan for Waller to make his NFL debut against the Jets.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel on what more Tua Tagovailoa can do, ‘there’s a ton of things’
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
