With Sunday’s kickoff in New Jersey expected near 40 degrees, all eyes are on Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his performance in chilly conditions. While Tua is 0-7 in games under 46°F, none of those losses came against the Jets, a team he has consistently beaten. In fact, he is 6-0 as a starter against New York, giving Miami confidence despite the cold.
Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized focusing on the opponent rather than the thermometer at Friday’s press conference.
“Each team’s unique,” McDaniel said. “It won’t be about the cold — it’s about playing the Jets.”
Miami’s running game should also help neutralize any winter weather. De’Von Achane, the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November, has led a Dolphins rushing attack that has gained 530 yards over their three-game winning streak, providing a reliable weapon if the passing game is slowed by the elements.
Tua’s 0-7 Cold-Weather Record: Where the Struggles Have Been
Tua’s cold-weather difficulties in losses are highlighted below:
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2021 vs. Buffalo (44°F): 13/23, 119 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
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2021 vs. Green Bay (42°F): 17/29, 184 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
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2022 at Buffalo (38°F): 27/43, 360 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
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2022 vs. New England (45°F): 18/32, 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
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2023 at New England (41°F): 19/33, 210 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
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2023 at Green Bay (36°F): 15/28, 175 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT
These games showcase Tua’s challenges with turnovers and accuracy in colder weather, but Miami’s offense overall has shown it can overcome these obstacles with a balanced attack — and the Jets matchup gives the Dolphins a clear path to success, cold or not.
