These are some really bad days for the Miami Dolphins. 

They have been undergoing a relentless pounding in the public media and the social media. The two primary targets are quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and head coach Mike McDaniel. That much is no surprise. 

The numbers, then – and now 

It’s not as if there were a lot of expectations for this team coming into the season. In the preseason, the Dolphins were +450 to win the AFC East, and they were priced at -160 to go under the 8.5-win total. 

The sportsbook posting those numbers was BetOnline, and coming out of its game on Sunday, Miami’s over-under is 5.5 victories (Over -140, Under +110). They are also +3300 to win the division. 

Do the Dolphins have any formulas to right the ship? 

The opening day massacre at Indianapolis was discouraging, to say the least. Sunday’s 33-27 loss against the Patriots brought a different kind of dejection, because even as the ‘Fins looked like they were motivated, and had that natural home field advantage – you know, the one where they are on the sideline that is shaded while the visitors have to stand in the sun – they still couldn’t produce a win.

EVERYONE seems to want McDaniel fired, although with a game scheduled for Thursday night, this would not be an opportune time to do it. And most people have the good sense to realize that benching Tua would put Zach Wilson in the starting role, and nobody wants that. 

What’s depressing is that Thursday’s opponent is the Buffalo Bills, who just got done chewing up the New York Jets and spitting them out. 

Thursday Night Football odds on Dolphins vs. Bills 

At BetOnline, the Bills, who are playing at home (Highmark Stadium) are double-digit favorites for the 8:15 PM ET kickoff: 

Buffalo Bills -11.5
Miami Dolphins +11.5

Over 49 Points -115
Under 49 Points -105

More effort, same result for Miami

Yes, the Dolphins came out after their embarrassment and showed some more effort than they did against the Colts. But they did not defend well. 

And they just blew opportunities. 

The Dolphins had a big special teams play when speedy Malik Washington returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown. But then they turned around and gave it right back on the ensuing kickoff when New England’s Antonio Gibson returned it 90 yards to the end zone. 

They also made Drake Maye look like a stud (10 yards per attempt, two TD, no INT). 

What will Josh Allen do to them?

McDaniel takes the abuse

I liked the idea of bringing McDaniel to Mimi from the beginning. He is very bright and innovative, and when he was at San Francisco he emphasized the run. 

He brought a transformation at first, as the Dolphins became as dangerous an offense as there was in the league. They were among the best, both passing AND running the ball.

But the roof has caved in. 

As sharp as McDaniel is, when I was watching the Dolphins on the HBO “Hard Knocks” series, he came off as someone trying too hard to be a “hipster” to identify with the players. I just sensed a lax atmosphere, which was not conducive to discipline. 

Pundits have described the team as “soft” and McDaniel as someone who tries too hard to be “buddy-buddy” with his players. And those critics are not far off the mark. 

So what will happen in the Dolphins-Bills game?

If there are some encouraging things to take from the game against New England, Tua threw for almost ten yards an attempt. Tyreek Hill, unhappy of late, went over 100 yards in receptions. De’von Achane almost got there. 

We don’t know if we’re completely sold on the Buffalo defense yet, but there is little question that rthey have the ability to put a big figure on the board. For us, it means…..

THE PLAY:  OVER 49 -115

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