Dolphins were 1-for-6 on challenges in 2022, so McDaniel made changes
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has changed the process through which he’ll decide on challenging a play with the replay review system this season.
McDaniel was 1-for-6 on challenges in his rookie season.
“Ultimately, that decision is always, always is mine,” McDaniel said Sunday. “But in terms of the streamline of the information given to me, we have adjusted kind of how we do things on a game day, being able to streamline the voices, and having very valuable people in the box.”
In particular, McDaniel has added a non-coaching staff member to focus on this task.
“To make sure that our eyes are on television copies and all the replay access that we have at all times,” McDaniel said. “Someone outside the coaching staff, that is their sole purpose is to give me aid in that. So guys now speak through them to me.”
It makes sense as opposed to a system where numerous coaches are shouting, “Challenge it!” or “Don’t challenge it!” or “I’m not sure, Mike!” into his headsets at a critical juncture.
On Saturday night, Miami lost a challenge when it initially appeared Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley was out of bounds following a ruled catch. But further replays showed he may have actually made the play.
The catch was upheld. There really aren’t as many challenges in a season as one might think, because all scoring plays are automatically reviewed.
Last season, Robert Saleh (Jets) was 3-for-6 on challenges.
Sean McDermott was 1-for-4.
Bill Belichick was 1-for-1.
Last December, McDaniel conceded there were some plays they may have liked to challenge or not challenge.
“It’s a fast-paced decision that you get one shot at,” McDaniel said then.
Keiser schedule
(Patriots)
Aug. 31 MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 at Lindsey Wilson, 1 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Valdosta State, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 THOMAS (GA.), 6 p.m.
Oct. 7 ST. THOMAS, 6 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Warner, 6 p.m.
Oct. 21 SOUTHEASTERN, 6 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Ave Maria, 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 WEBBER, 6 p.m.
Nov. 11 at Florida Memorial, 1 p.m. (Bills)