The results haven't been what the Dolphins have hoped for halfway through the season, or on Sunday in Buffalo. However, the team is trending in a positive direction and will need to continue that way if it wants to go on a run.
That starts on Monday night in Los Angeles. Here's what the players and coaches had to say ahead of the primetime clash with the Rams:
Trending in the right direction
Head Coach Mike McDaniel – "My hope is real is because the football that I'm watching and detailing is improving, and I think the team is focused on trying to have a game where they feel like their brand of football was mastered. I think the football team knows that when that occurs, things will take care of themselves in the win column."
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa – "I think it starts in practice and how we prepare with conversations you have as a leader of the defense, as a leader of the offense, as a leader of the team. Having those conversations with the guys of what the expectation is and continuing to harp on the guys to stay in it, stay in it. We could be one game away from going on a streak and hopefully turning this whole thing around. So I would say that's sort of the process."
Defensive tackle Zach Sieler - "We have no more time to mess around. I think 2-6, but I think we still could achieve what we want to achieve. We've just got to clean some things up and come together as a unit and hopefully this is the week we can do that."
What makes the Rams tough
Linebacker Jordyn Brooks – "I think that the playmakers on their offense is what makes their team go. Quarterback and the two receivers they have. They've also got a good running back along with good coaches, so it'll be a challenge, just like every other week to stop them."
Tackle Terron Armstead – "You know that when you see them on a schedule, you know it's going to be one of those games. We've got to prepare and get ready for a tough challenge. Like you said, the Rams, they always load up that defensive line, so it'll be a fun challenge out there Monday night."
Defensive Tackle Zach Sieler - "I think the biggest thing for us this week is gap sound, play our style of defense, which is do your job. You're one piece of 11 and focus on our part and each play what we're going to do and work from there. It's not trying to be an all-star or make these huge plays, it's 'Hey, this play dictates what I can do,' and play within the scheme. I think we'll have a great shot if we do that."
For more on the Dolphins primetime matchup in Los Angeles, download the Drive Time Podcast with Travis Wingfield, available wherever you get your podcasts.
