MIAMI - Talk about disrespectful.
Not only is that the most fitting way to describe the Miami Dolphins’ performance in the Toilet Bowl battle of one-win teams against the Cleveland Browns, but it accurately describes how Miami’s fellow NFL bottom dweller treated the Dolphins (1-6) during a 31-6 loss.
How bad was it, you might ask?
The Dolphins pulled quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter and replaced him with rookie Quinn Ewers. It’s hard to justify that the switch wasn’t performance-related since Tagovailoa finished with a 24.1 passer rating - the worst of his career.
But wait, it gets worse.
On a wet, slippery day, the Browns lined up seven offensive linemen on a first-and-goal play from the 4-yard line to challenge Miami’s goal-line defense, which is usually filled with defensive tackles and big bodies.
That’s been one of Miami’s weakest positions - though offensive guard is a close second - and the Browns clearly attacked where the Dolphins are softest.
All it took was two pushes. On the next play, Cleveland ran a direct snap to rookie tailback Quinshon Judkins, who powered up the middle for a touchdown that put the Browns ahead 17-3.
Cleveland didn’t even need seven linemen on the field to bully Miami.
The Dolphins were pushed around all game and gave a full demonstration of what bad teams do: fumble, drop passes, turn the ball over, commit penalties, blow coverages and miss tackles.
The second half opened with Tagovailoa’s pass to running back De’Von Achane being tipped and intercepted by Browns cornerback Tyson Campbell, who returned it 34 yards for a touchdown that gave Cleveland a three-score lead with 29:48 still left on the clock.
On the next drive, Miami lost yards on nearly every play before it ended with Myles Garrett escaping Patrick Paul’s block and flattening Tagovailoa. On the ensuing punt, the Dolphins committed two penalties on the same play.
All that was missing Sunday was the “Benny Hill” theme music, as Miami committed error after error after error.
This isn’t what South Florida’s sports community deserves.
We’re talking 25 years without a playoff win.
Once the plug is pulled on this team - and it should include the coaching staff and the front office that built this roster - it will mark owner Steve Ross’ fifth coaching change since he bought the franchise in 2009.
The Dolphins are on pace for Ross’ 10th losing season in 17 years, and what makes it worse is that span includes only five winning seasons and three playoff berths.
While 2025 technically isn’t over, it might as well be.
From this point, Miami must win eight of its final 10 games to post a winning record - and nine of 10 to stay in the playoff race if double-digit wins are again required.
With the defense mistake-prone and the offense toothless without Tyreek Hill, it’s hard to imagine any kind of coaching magic Mike McDaniel can use to fix it.
That means it’s time to find something else to play for - and it might as well be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Back in 2019, the Dolphins were intentionally tanking, trading quality players and filling the roster with waiver-wire additions. Unfortunately for the front office, Ryan Fitzpatrick’s steady hand and Brian Flores’ defense willed that team to five wins.
This team’s tank-worthy performance, however, is organic.
Miami’s offensive line is a disaster. Its defensive line gives up yards to everyone. And without Hill on the field drawing extra attention, Tagovailoa’s limitations are glaring.
The offense has gone limp.
Tagovailoa’s two fourth-quarter interceptions - the first setting up Cleveland at the 2-yard line, where Judkins scored his second rushing touchdown on another direct snap - hinted that McDaniel’s team has finally quit on its coach, who now holds a 29-29 record.
McDaniel, who entered the season 28-23 with two playoff losses, is no longer a winner. And seemingly, neither are the 2025 Dolphins.
What they are is soft - and it’s hard to see that changing until Ross makes massive changes.