Mike McDaniel Criticized for Misstep at Dolphins-Bills Game Start
The Miami Dolphins’ challenging season continues as they attempt to regain momentum amid team adjustments. Coach Mike McDaniel remains in his position despite a disappointing record of 2-7 in 2025. Recently, he faced severe criticism during the Dolphins’ Week 10 match-up against the Buffalo Bills.
Controversial Timeout at Game Start
In a bewildering series of events, the Dolphins received a false start penalty prior to their first offensive play. This 5-yard penalty pushed back their offense, resulting in a rushed setup at the line of scrimmage. With the play clock dwindling to under five seconds, McDaniel opted to call a timeout to avoid a delay of game penalty. This decision drew a wave of criticism from fans on social media.
- Miami Dolphins started the game with a timeout before running a play.
- McDaniel called a timeout with 15:00 remaining in the first quarter.
- The Dolphins had just committed a false start, leading to the timeout.
Social Media Outcry
The timeout sparked outrage among NFL fans, who expressed disbelief on various platforms. Reactions highlighted a lack of preparation and questioned McDaniel’s decision-making abilities.
- Ari Meirov tweeted: “The Dolphins just used a timeout with the clock still at 15:00.”
- Fans likened the situation to starting a video game and immediately needing a break.
- Comments emphasized the unacceptability of not getting the call in before the game officially began.
Dolphins’ Unexpected Turnaround
Despite the rocky start, the Dolphins managed to recover quickly. They went into halftime with a surprising lead, scoring 16-0 against the Bills. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa showcased his skills with only two incompletions in the first half, throwing for two touchdowns along with one interception. This performance helped shift the focus away from the initial blunder.
The Dolphins must now navigate the remainder of their season while addressing the pressure surrounding their coaching staff and maintaining their lead against formidable competitors.
