• The Miami Dolphins suffered a 33-8 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in their 2025 NFL season opener, struggling on both offense and defense.
• Tua Tagovailoa benched due to three turnovers—two interceptions and a fumble—that crippled Miami’s offense.
• Head coach Mike McDaniel remains optimistic about Tagovailoa’s ability to rebound despite the rough performance.
• The Dolphins’ offensive struggles highlighted issues beyond Tagovailoa, including offensive line breakdowns.

A Tough Start for Miami

The Miami Dolphins kicked off their 2025 season with a thud, falling 33-8 to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. As a longtime NFL fan, I’ve seen plenty of season openers go sideways, but this one stung for Dolphins fans. 

The team looked out of sync on both sides of the ball, and by the fourth quarter, head coach Mike McDaniel made the bold call to have Tua Tagovailoa benched for backup Zach Wilson. The move wasn’t just a reaction to the score—it was a response to a game that slipped away early.

Read also: Tyreek Hill Trade Rumors

What Went Wrong for Tua?

Tua Tagovailoa had a day to forget against the Colts. His stat line tells the story: 14 completions out of 23 attempts for just 114 yards, one late touchdown, two interceptions, and a fumble. Those three turnovers came early, derailing Miami’s chances before the game was out of reach. 

On the Dolphins’ first drive, with the Colts up 3-0, Tagovailoa threw an interception to Cam Bynum in Indy’s territory, squashing a promising drive. A fumble on the next possession, recovered by former Dolphin Xavien Howard, handed the Colts another short field. By the third drive, Miami punted, and the Colts built a 20-0 halftime lead.

The second half didn’t start much better. Tagovailoa’s second interception, this time to Laiatu Latu, came on a critical drive where Miami desperately needed points. By the time he connected with De’Von Achane for a late touchdown, the game was already out of reach. Watching as a fan, it felt like one of those days where nothing clicked—almost like trying to drive with a flat tire.

Why Was Tua Tagovailoa Benched?

Head coach Mike McDaniel’s decision to pull Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter wasn’t just about the turnovers—it was about a lack of offensive rhythm. Tua Tagovailoa benched signaled a need for a spark, as McDaniel noted post-game: “There’s throws he makes 9 times out of 10, and he didn’t make them today.” 

He also pointed to “surprise pressures” from the offensive line, which led to three sacks on Tagovailoa. As someone who’s watched countless NFL games, I know quarterbacks can’t succeed when they’re under constant pressure. McDaniel’s move to Zach Wilson wasn’t a long-term statement but a reaction to a game that got away.

Tua’s Stats vs. Colts

• Completions/Attempts: 14/23
• Passing Yards: 114
• Touchdowns: 1
• Interceptions: 2
• Fumbles: 1
• Passer Rating: 51.7
• Sacks: 3

Dolphins’ QB Depth Chart

Here’s how Miami’s quarterback room stacks up for 2025:

• QB1: Tua Tagovailoa
• QB2: Zach Wilson
• QB3: Quinn Ewers

The Dolphins brought in Zach Wilson as a backup this offseason, but he’s not seen as a serious threat to Tagovailoa’s starting role. Rookie Quinn Ewers, a late-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, rounds out the depth chart as the third-stringer. While Wilson got some snaps in Week 1, this feels more like a one-game wake-up call than a shift in the pecking order.

Can Tua and the Dolphins Bounce Back?

Despite the rough outing, McDaniel expressed confidence in Tagovailoa’s ability to recover. “It was something left to be desired,” he admitted, but he believes Tua can return to form. As a fan, I’ve seen quarterbacks shake off bad games—think of Tom Brady’s occasional clunkers early in his career. 

The Dolphins’ issues weren’t all on Tua; the offensive line’s struggles and a lack of cohesion across the board played a big role. If Miami can clean up the turnovers and protect their quarterback, they’ve got the talent to turn things around in a long NFL season.

A Fan’s Perspective

I’ve been rooting for Tua Tagovailoa since his Alabama days, and it’s tough to see him struggle out of the gate. Week 1 losses happen, but they sting when they’re this lopsided. Still, I’m optimistic. 

Tua’s got the arm and the smarts to lead this team, and with a coach like McDaniel in his corner, I’m betting on a rebound. The Dolphins have 16 games left to prove they’re better than this. For now, I’ll be glued to their next matchup, hoping to see the offense we know they’re capable of.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.