Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel didn't sugarcoat QB Tua Tagovailoa's issues

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel didn't give serious pushback on Wednesday when asked about Indianapolis Colts CB Xavier Howard's comments about QB Tua Tagovailoa.

The former Dolphins defender told reporters on Monday that the Colts knew Tagovailoa would be flustered if the defense took away his first read.

"We knew the guy, he gets the ball out pretty quick," Howard said. "And once we take away his first read, I feel like it's panic mode after that. And it showed yesterday. We took away his first read and he was trying to get rid of the ball real quick."

McDaniel responded by telling reporters, including the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, that Tagovailoa's play was "less than to be desired" but hopes it was more about first-game jitters than a long-term problem.

“I saw quarterback play that was less than to be desired [Sunday], which Tua absolutely knows," McDaniel said. "He’s the franchise quarterback. I also know he’s very much like most quarterbacks where you are putting a lot of work into something and your first time doing it for four quarters in months, you are not at your best. I don’t want to make the same mistakes twice. He and everyone else has to get better.”

McDaniel didn't exactly refute Howard's argument with his answer.

Miami Dolphins need Tua Tagovailoa to play better

Tagovailoa finished 14-of-23 for 114 yards, one touchdown, one interception and one lost fumble in the 33-8 loss to the Colts in Week 1. Those are troubling numbers for a franchise quarterback, regardless of whether the game was in September or January.

McDaniel can't afford to wait for Tagovailoa to find his footing this season. He's going to have to play much better against the New England Patriots in Week 2. If not, McDaniel could be out of a job, and Tagovailoa could soon be facing questions about his future in Miami.