Dolphins clash with Bengals as week raises season uncertainty.
The Miami Dolphins lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 45‑21 on Sunday, ending the season with a 6‑9 record. It marked the second consecutive losing season for the team, the first occurrence since 2018‑19.
The defeat was decisive, with the Bengals outscoring Miami 28‑7 in the second half. A pass‑interference call on quarterback Theo Wease erased a 33‑yard reception for running back De’Von Achane.
Miami is already eliminated from playoff contention, a situation not seen so early in the Mike McDaniel era. McDaniel has been announced to remain as head coach for 2026, despite a 34‑32 regular‑season record.
Former general manager Chris Grier was fired in November, a rare mid‑season personnel change. Interim general manager Champ Kelly and vice president of football and business administration Brandon Shore were present at the game, but owner Steve Ross was only a spectator.
During practice leading up to the game, former starter Tua Tagovailoa served as the scout team quarterback, emulating Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, and recorded play‑calling on a white board for backup scenarios.