Mike McDaniel made his controversial fourth-and-1 play call look even worse

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided insight into their confusing fourth-and-one play call against the Buffalo Bills, and it’s not a great look.

Considering their quarterback situation entering the playoffs, the Miami Dolphins weren’t given much of a chance against the Buffalo Bills. Yet, they were able to keep up with their AFC East rivals, and even had a 24-20 lead in the third quarter. But, they ultimately lost 34-31 to Buffalo, and are still without a playoff win since the 2000 season.

One moment that sticks out for Dolphins fans in this game was the fourth-and-one situation they faced with over two minutes remaining in regulation. Of course, that’s when the offense went over a play with head coach Mike McDaniel, had to rush over to the line of scrimmage seconds before the clock expired and try to hike the football. Instead, they were late to snap the football, and were assessed a delay of game. That turned into a fourth-and-six situation, which resulted in an incomplete pass from quarterback Skylar Thompson to tight end Mike Gesicki.

After the game, McDaniel was asked about what happened during that fourth-and-one play. The first-year head coach said that he heard that they had a first-down, and were later informed by the referees that it was fourth down. McDaniel said that they had the wrong personnel in for fourth down.

Mike McDaniel’s explanation on fourth-and-one play not a great look

McDaniel said he wasn’t sure who told him it was a first down, but believed it was someone from his coaching staff.

It’s not the answer that Dolphins fans wanted to hear, considering that it was a heavily ridiculed spot in a critical portion of the game. It makes matters worse considering the Dolphins were at midfield . Of course, viewers believed it was an easy quarterback sneak situation. But, as they now find out, the Dolphins were so late to call a play because they thought they were in a first-down situation.

The Dolphins had their fair share of issues, such as their pass-catchers dropping huge passes, and struggles defending Buffalo’s top receivers in Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. Despite that, they were in position to pull off the biggest upset of the season.

The fourth-and-one situation will be something that will stick with Dolphins fans throughout the offseason.