McDaniel January 10 Media Session Highlights

-- The players were signed after workouts, which convinced the Dolphins that Irvin and Houston still can produce even though they're both very late in their career. Adds that this is "not something that just came out of nowhere" in terms of which players were signed.

-- Question comes about Tua and his ability to bring the team back late in games, and McDaniel talks about "development and learning." Warns against "overcategorizing" based on those results and says Tua won't necessarily always have the same results. Also mentions the Chargers and Cowboys games as instances where Tua did succeed in late-game situations. Adds there were lessons learned in the Buffalo game.

-- The Carolina Panthers requested permission to interview offensive coordinator Frank Smith for their head-coaching vacancy, and McDaniel says he connects with Smith in how they view the importance of relationships with players. "He sees a lot of things very, very similar to myself. ... Brings it every day. Never takes anything for granted." Says he's not surprised and very happy for Smith getting the opportunity to interview and says it's a matter of when, not if as far as Smith becoming an NFL head coach.

-- McDaniel calls the K.C. defensive scheme an "intricate system." The Chiefs blitzed the Dolphins quite a bit in Week 9 and McDaniel says that's not necessarily a bad thing because if the blitz is picked up, that's fewer defenders left to cover.

-- In regards to Tyreek Hill's new quad injury, McDaniel asks whether he should be concerned about him this week and answers, "probably not." Says the Chiefs and Bills made it a point to make sure there would be some "violent collisions" with him.

-- Safety DeShon Elliott sustained a pregame calf injury before the Buffalo game and the hope is he'll be able to get himself right for game day.