Tua Tagovailoa, Mike McDaniel sound off on media narratives before Dolphins host Cowboys

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is tired of being a focal point on debate shows with star receiver Tyreek Hill’s production being used against him. 

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is also tired about the narrative his team can’t beat elite opponents. 

It’s safe to say the Dolphins are a feisty bunch just before their Christmas Eve matchup Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET against the Dallas Cowboys. 

McDaniel on Monday said he gave permission to his players “to tell all members of the media, to, with all due respect, F off. With all due respect.” He wants his team solely focused on the Cowboys, and not the Dolphins shortcomings.

Tagovailoa on Wednesday pushed back on the talking point that Hill, the NFL’s leading receiver in yards and touchdowns, is the reason why the quarterback has had a successful 2024 season. 

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Hill missed practice again Wednesday due to a left ankle injury that kept him out of Miami’s 30-0 win over the New York Jets last week.

“I understand that my platform and who I am in this league as a quarterback makes me — if you want polarizing, whether I’m the best, whether I’m the worst — like I could care less,” Tagovailoa said.  

“I keep receipts. … Yeah, sure. I am only good with Tyreek. You’re right. That is the only time I’m at my best. You’re right. I’m only good when Jaylen [Waddle] is in.

“I could care less about it. …  I don’t care. I really don’t. So whatever it is, whatever you need on your show, take clips out of what I just said, do what you need to do like that. I’m just here to do my job, and my job is to help our guys win.”

The Dolphins are 10-4, leading the AFC East by two games, but could be playing for the division crown against the Buffalo Bills in the season finale. They have been exposed in losses to the Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans for lack of toughness and off games by Tagovailoa and McDaniel offensively.

The Cowboys are 10-4, leading the NFC East with the tiebreaker over the Philadelphia Eagles secured in a 33-11 win over Philadelphia at home on Dec. 11. But they were dominated 31-10 by the Bills in Buffalo to end a five-game winning streak last week. They also lost decisively to the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year and have a 3-4 road record this season.

The Dolphins are one game back of the Baltimore Ravens for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff race, while the Cowboys are one game in back of the 49ers for the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff race. (Interestingly, the Ravens and 49ers play on Christmas night.)

But their hiccups this season make you wonder if they are truly contenders or just pretenders when the postseason begins next month.