McDaniel can really win COTY in 2022
By: Jake Rajala
The Miami Dolphins have been one of the most polarizing NFL squads this offseason. Similar to the Los Angeles Rams, the Dolphins have a young ambitious coach who isn’t scared to take risks. It’s honestly hard for a lot of people to imagine and sometimes be a fan of mystic growth, but the Dolphins could really take a large leap next season. It wouldn’t be a shock if the 2022 Dolphins surprise the NFL world in a way that the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals shocked NFL audiences.
With that enunciated, I believe the outlook of McDaniel will be a significant reason why the Dolphins could strike a playoff berth and unveil an unusually successful season. Furthermore, the fiery, hipster McDaniel could win COTY in the process of a fantastic 2022 Dolphins season. Here are a couple of reasons why McDaniel is truly a darkhorse to win COTY next season.
- Scoring machine
The Dolphins may not unveil 13+ wins next season, but the Dolphins could score A LOT of points. Tua Tagovailoa will have Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, so expect fireworks frequently. The COTY isn’t always the coach “with the most victories”. Sean McVay won COTY in 2017 with an 11-5 record and Kevin Stefanski was named COTY in 2020 with an 11-5 record. I believe McDaniel could follow a similar path as McVay and Stefanski in winning COTY by improving Tua Tagovailoa, unleashing a Top 10 scoring offense, and leading the Dolphins to 11 or 12 wins in 2022.
- Success against the Bills
It will be hard for the Dolphins to win the AFC East or be a cream of the crop AFC squad if they get swept by the Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins had 9 victories last season, but the Bills mopped the floor against MIA. The Bills beat the Dolphins 35-0 and 26-11 in 2021. If the borderline playoff team Dolphins can split games with the Bills next season, it would make a significant difference for the new-look Dolphins team. If the underdog Dolphins can upset the Bills twice in a similar way that the Saints swept the juggernaut Buccaneers, the Dolphins could realistically win their division and really sit well in their conference at the end of the season.
