Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel claims “misunderstandings” led to a crucial delay in the 4th quarter game penalty against Bills

During Sunday’s 34-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills by the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card Game, head coach Mike McDaniel faced some criticism for a significant delay in the fourth-placed game penalty on the team’s final drive. The mistake ruined the Dolphins’ brave effort considering they started the game as 14-point underdogs. Miami running back Jeff Wilson Jr. scored early in the fourth quarter and set up an exciting end to the AFC rivalry game.

Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson attempted to lead the team down 4-13 in the game against the Bills in AFC wildcard play. Thompson and the Dolphins were on the 48-yard line when the confusion began. Thompson threw for 220 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his playoff debut. The Dolphins were held in the loss by just 42 rushing yards.

McDaniel told reporters after the game that he was told the Dolphins had a first down, but once he understood it was the fourth, he couldn’t make a play call before the flag was thrown. “There was a communication we got first,” he said. “So we put a group of players in for the 1st and 10th calls. Then it was articulated, no, it was fourth place… I had received conflicting information that it was first place; I don’t know exactly who it was from.”

Miami will be disappointed with the end of the season but should be optimistic about the future. The Dolphins weather a bumpy 2022 season and make the playoffs for the first time since 2016, indicating the team is on the right track.