A Dolphins captain delivered a powerful message of support for Mike McDaniel after Miami's shocking Week 8 win over Falcons

“Yes—today we showed that (we have McDaniel's back). Us, as leaders, we drive that point, to have his back. Whether we agree or disagree, we gotta have his back. As leaders, we can’t be pulling away from that and contradict what Mike’s message is, because now you’re leading the team in confusion. Whatever Mike is being criticized for, we’re there to enforce it as leaders and everyone will follow suit...absolutely we have Mike’s back.”

— Dolphins captain Jordyn Brooks to Sport Illustrated's Albert Breer after Week 8

There's been a whole bunch of hoopla and speculation around if it was "quitting time" in Miami after getting drubbed 31-6 by the previously 1-5 Cleveland Browns in Week 7. As it turns out, it was quite the opposite. At least for one week. The challenge for Miami will now be achieving similar success against traditional powers in the AFC. They'll have two chances in their next two games, including a short turnaround to a home Thursday Night Football showcase against the Baltimore Ravens.

2025 Miami Dolphins upcoming schedule

• Week 9 - vs. Baltimore Ravens (Thursday Night Football)
• Week 10 - vs. Buffalo Bills
• Week 11 - vs. Washington Commanders (International Series)
• Week 12 - Bye Week
• Week 13 - vs. New Orleans Saints

Sunday's win was fun. It was the polar opposite in many ways from just one week prior, which Brooks suggested to Breer was a moment that "forced everyone to take personal responsibility". You'd love for it to not take six losses and several monumental collapses late in games to get there, but here we are.

If Miami wants to prove that they have their coach's back, they'll need a lot more than one fun October win to get staying power in that belief. A win on Thursday night at home against an equally desperate Ravens football team would be a good start — and then a win 10 days later against the Bills would be an even bigger salvo of support.

It's in the players' hands now. But at least, for now, Brooks wants the world to know that they're still on board.

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