At 10-4, the Miami Dolphins are off to their best start since the 2000 season when they won the AFC East with an 11-5 record.
They look to be well on their way to winning the division title once again. However, some around the league have questioned Miami’s strength of schedule.
Amazingly, the Dolphins don’t have a single win against a team with a winning record … That’s something that’s hard to ignore.
However, head coach Mike McDaniel doesn’t have any time for your criticism – He is solely focused on Miami’s upcoming showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve.
“The thoughts are firmly with getting better from this previous game, and as I talked to the team today, I instructed the players that anything other than to concern yourself with the next opponent, which for us is the Dallas Cowboys,” he said.
“Any other narrative that has to do with good teams or playoff seeds or the next three games, all that stuff … I gave them the clearance to tell all members of the media to – with all due respect – F off.”
🎥 Mike McDaniel: "I instructed the players to, anything other concerning yourself with the [Cowboys], & any other narrative that has to do with good teams or playoff seeds… I gave them the clearance to tell all members of the media, with all due to respect, to F off." #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/Nf7UNuVkaN
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) December 18, 2023
“All we’re focused on is the Dallas Cowboys, and they definitely deserve our attention. So as we clean up our game from the previous, we’ll be thinking about that, and the narratives will be what they be, and we’re not really concerned,” he continued.
“We know (the narrative is) going to exist, but it’s really inconsequential for what we’re trying to do.”
The Dolphins lead the NFL in scoring, averaging 31.5 points per game. They’re going to need to remain explosive if they’re to weather the upcoming storm because their schedule is finally getting a whole lot tougher.
As a matter of fact, they have the toughest remaining strength of schedule in the final three weeks of this season, with a .690 opponent winning percentage.
It all starts on Christmas Eve when they welcome in the 10-4 Dallas Cowboys. Then they’ll travel to Baltimore to take on the 11-3 Ravens before wrapping up the regular season against the surging 8-6 Buffalo Bills.
Mike McDaniel CALLED Waddle’s TD 🔥
pic.twitter.com/E7TPY6yfFj— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 20, 2023
What are your thoughts on McDaniel as a coach?
It’s safe to assume he’ll be able to attract some pretty good free agents to Miami.
As far as the Dolphins, do you think their strong record is a product of their soft schedule?
Do you trust them against good opponents, especially on the road, come January???
These two young NFL Head Coaches get it
Mike McDaniel
Dan CampbellThis level of awareness and knowledge is HIGHLY impressive, especially given their age and it being only their second and third year as a HC
Take it from someone that’s been there, the majority of coaching… pic.twitter.com/EY2rBnbwH4
— Pratik Patel (@PratikxPatel) December 20, 2023