Everything we learned from Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel during Today’s Press Conference | 9/2

Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel spoke with the media first time since his contract extension as the team prepares for Week 1 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Miami Dolphins kick off the 2024 NFL Season in six days as the team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Head Coach Mike McDaniel met with the media briefly to give his thoughts on his recent contract extension, Miami’s 2024 team captains, injury news, a look ahead at the Jaguars, and everything in between.

Here’s everything we learned from Mike McDaniel’s 9/2 Press Conference.

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Mike McDaniel on his new contract extension

“Congratulations goes to the organization. There are a lot of people that lift you up to give you an opportunity to be a head coach, but for that program to sustain (success), I see that as each and every person involved. So I see that as an accomplishment for the entire organization.”

McDaniel said he had dinner with Ross a few weeks ago to discuss the contract negotiation and finished his steak.

He continued:

“For me, I haven’t really thought twice about it afterward from the regard of, I guess I’ve had a ton of reasons to approach every day with everything I have, and giving myself to everyone as best I can. I guess this is another reason to be motivated to attack each and every day to your fullest… I probably have some more reasons to do what i’ve been tending to do since i got on grounds here.”

McDaniel on Miami’s eight captains and what it meant to those players:

“Really good players. I think, off the top of my head, 28 Pro Bowls. BOOM, how about that!? Fast facts. I think you have guys that not only have respect and regard from their teammates, but they’ve earned their stripes from the league… I think the National Football League, the opinions of your peers, and there’s nothing that can have a stronger attachment towards you if you’re a player. It’s as important as the name on the back of your jersey. With our particular unit, I think it was cool to see the amount of conviction the team had for the individuals across the board.”

McDaniel on what it meant for David Long to be named a captain:

“There were a lot of captain-worthy leaders, and I could tell by how the award winners were received; it meant a great deal because it was a very high honor on this team.

“He tried to play it cool in front of all his teammates. I’m convinced he and a couple of other fellow captains probably had an emotional moment behind closed doors. But that’s just me guessing because I know how much this game means to David Long. This was a very cool orchestration to let him know how much regard his teammates hold for him. It was a very cool moment to be a part of.”

McDaniel on Jacksonville’s defensive front

“How they come off the ball. How they play with consistent technique and fundamentals and their relentless strain… I think that’s pretty obvious from the minimal game tape we’ve watched, but that’s been a paramount part of their D-line. They are a very talented group playing hard together.

McDaniel says both Tavon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are very good players, and the Dolphins have worked this off-season to improve their protection.

“It’s a very timely matchup…any time you have speed with depth rushers on the EDGE, they can really expand your pocket. And if you’re not tied together with your launch point or where your blockers are, you can have players get EDGEd pretty quickly & that’s tough… they’re a good group to start with because they’re super talented, and if you’re not on your game, you’ll be exposed. And that’s something you need to be used to in the NFL when protecting the passer because you do not get a week off against #elite pass rushers.

McDaniel on Aaron Brewer and Benito Jones:

“You’re going to see them participate in practice this week.”

He says the Dolphins believe Brewer can play center with the laceration on his hand. McDaniel says he feels good about the starting o-line and the contingencies they have in place if players can’t go… “my crystal ball is broken.”

McDaniel says both Waddle and Hill will be practicing today.

“No setbacks to relay — as of yet — so they’ll be out on the field today.

McDaniel on Chop Robinson’s growth:

“We ask a lot from EDGE defenders in our defense. We ask them not only to be a primary importance in the run game, but pass game as well. I think understanding the box you have to play in as a pass-rusher is huge… gone are the days of looping… typically, you have to really tighten that angle because QBs don’t drop back as far, as well as different keys about how to play the game within the game. Different stance keys that diagnose run or pass, situational awareness, all these things, he doesn’t waste a day out on the field. Which is good news for us because he’s talented, and we expect him to contribute… he attacks each practice the way a veteran would where you try to get something out of it and add to the tools of your game.”

McDaniel on Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas:

“Super talented of player that has a unique combination of being a down-the-field third-level receiver that can track & make plays while also having the route-running skills to do the underneath stuff..you see a very talented individual that can take his game as far as he can take it… We will be well aware of where he is on the field because we did a lot of work on him.

McDaniel on how the running back room will play out during a game:

“Just to give individuals opportunities and to let that shape how many touches they get during the game. I think it’s important that guys have the opportunities… just to get everyone involved is important to me, and then let the game take its course on who’s competitive edge will take over most.”

What are your thoughts on Mike McDaniel’s contract extension? Do you have an opinion on the Dolphins’ eight team captains? Are you concerned with Aaron Brewer’s availability for week one? What about the rest of the offensive line? Let us know in the comments section below!