Dave Hyde: Is there a crack in the Tua-McDaniel relationship?

"Somewhere through their dueling analysis and misguided words is the hope Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa keep their relationship intact. It won't be easy while walking the plank the rest of this season. But their bond has been one of the few good aspects of the past few, disappointing seasons. Neither is having a good year, the coach or the quarterback. But they said Wednesday everything is fine between them, too."

"It started with Tua citing some obvious problems in the offensive operation against New England, and the coach and quarterback having different view of an interception against Buffalo. But Tua got everyone's attention by revealing players were late or altogether missed a players-only meetings in the minutes after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers. That raised more questions than he answered. Who was late? What did it say about his leadership? Or even McDaniel's culture?"

Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa have met multiple times this week to address offensive problems, including one-hour and 90-minute meetings. Their relationship has been a rare positive amid several disappointing seasons, yet both are struggling this year. Public missteps and differing analyses have drawn attention, including Tua citing offensive issues, a disputed interception interpretation, and Tua revealing that players missed or were late to a players-only meeting after the Chargers loss. McDaniel publicly called Tua's comments "misguided" and "not the right forum," raising questions about leadership, team culture, and communication methods.

Read at Sun Sentinel