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Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito has spoken out against head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, criticizing the team’s disappointing performance at the start of the 2025 season.
In a recent game against the Cleveland Browns, Tagovailoa struggled significantly, completing only 23 of 43 passes for just 100 yards and throwing three interceptions. As a result, he now ties for the league lead in interceptions with ten, raising concerns about his ability to lead the team.
The Dolphins’ 1-6 record following their loss to Cleveland highlights a troubling trend, and questions arise about McDaniel’s capability to address the team’s persistent issues.
Incognito did not hold back in expressing his frustration during an appearance on the sports talk show “The Arena: Gridiron.” He described the current situation in Miami as a “dumpster fire,” arguing that McDaniel and Tagovailoa seem to exacerbate the team’s problems rather than resolve them. He explained, “We look at this guy on TV – I do not see a leader of men. When I’m going out there on Sunday and I want to rip someone’s head off, I’m not getting fired up by this guy’s pregame speech.”
Incognito’s comments reflect deeper concerns about the team’s morale and leadership structure. He pointed out that Tagovailoa’s recent remarks about leadership and punctuality indicate underlying fractures within the team. According to him, Tagovailoa, as the franchise quarterback, should set the standard for accountability, yet his words seemed to shift blame rather than foster unity.
Incognito remarked, “Tua, last week, was talking about guys being late and he’s talking about leadership. Well, the leadership starts and ends with Tua because you’re the franchise quarterback. When you have people constantly late in a professional sports organization, that shows fractures. That shows favoritism. … That, to me, is the biggest flaw in this entire operation.”
This isn’t the first time Incognito has made headlines for his outspoken nature. He played four seasons with the Dolphins, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2012. However, he also gained notoriety during a high-profile bullying scandal in 2013, which adds complexity to his critiques of team culture.
Incognito believes that accountability needs to go beyond the players on the field. He directed his criticism toward team owner Stephen Ross, labeling him as an “absentee owner” who appears to be placing trust in the wrong individuals. He specifically called out general manager Chris Grier, suggesting that Grier is making poor choices by bringing in players who do not fit the team’s needs or culture.
His assessment of the Dolphins resonates with fans who are concerned about the team’s direction. As it stands, the organization has retained both Grier and McDaniel, and there are questions about how long this approach can continue to be successful.
With hopes of reversing their fortunes, the Dolphins are preparing to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. This matchup provides them with a critical opportunity to shift the narrative and redeem themselves in front of their fans.
In summary, Incognito’s critique sheds light on the potential leadership void within the Dolphins and raises questions about coaching strategies and team dynamics. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if the organization can respond to these challenges and improve its standing in the league.
As the Dolphins look for a path forward, there is hope among supporters that a turnaround is possible, but time is running short in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
