MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's comments after Sunday's game were «misguided» and that his postgame news conference was «not the forum» to air his concerns.
Speaking in the minutes following Miami's 29-27 loss Sunday to the Los Angeles Chargers, Tagovailoa was asked how players will refrain from feeling sorry for themselves moving forward. He responded that the solution starts with the team's player leadership before revealing that some teammates were late for players-only meetings.
McDaniel was asked about Tagovailoa's comments a few minutes later and said the quarterback was «sending a message,» but the coach had a more detailed reaction Monday after actually hearing what the quarterback said.
«You guys caught me before I heard them [yesterday],» McDaniel said. «I think regardless of intent and what was on Tua's mind after a loss, as the franchise quarterback, that's not the forum to displace that. I think he knows that. Now, I do honestly believe there was no ill intention, but you're talking about, I think, a misguided representation of player-orchestrated film sessions.
»The bottom line is no one's going to be happy and [people] always are looking for reasons for failure to succeed. So you're trying to look for reasons that you can attribute to losses, and heavy is the crown of being a franchise quarterback."
McDaniel said Tagovailoa has «directly communicated» with his teammates since Sunday night and will «live and learn» from the experience.
Dolphins offensive linemen Aaron Brewer and Patrick Paul both declined to comment on what Tagovailoa said, adding that team matters should remain «in-house.»
Though tardiness and attendance at team-mandated meetings
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