When Mike McDaniel steps up to the postgame podium, you can always expect a little something extra. The Dolphins’ head coach, known for his unwavering honesty, has become a beloved figure among Miami fans for his candid remarks. But as the Dolphins’ recent performances have slipped into a rut—take their Week 8 heartbreaker against the Cardinals as an example—McDaniel’s postgame charm isn’t quite as effective in lifting fans’ spirits as it once was.

With Tua Tagovailoa back and performing decently, the Dolphins still struggled, particularly in the latter half against the Cardinals. It highlights the daunting road ahead if they want to catch up to the Bills for the divisional crown.

The numbers tell a tough story: heading into the latest game, NFL.com put their playoff chances at a mere 6%. To even sniff a Wild Card spot, they’d need to post a solid 7-3 record in their final 10 games—a tall order given their current form.

Facing the media after their recent defeat, McDaniel stood firm when the topic turned to whether teams might underestimate Miami due to their lackluster record. And in true McDaniel style, he laid it out straight: “No opponent that we play will give a—well, you know.” You could argue it’s not the deepest of insights, but it’s quintessential McDaniel—blunt, a dash of humor, and undeniably straightforward.

Despite the losing record, no one’s about to overlook the Dolphins, especially with stars like Tyreek Hill on the field. Sure, Miami’s struggled with consistency, but talents like Jaylen Waddle are still very much on other teams’ radar.

McDaniel’s response might not contain groundbreaking strategic insights, and his harshest critics might dismiss it entirely, but there’s an authenticity to it that’s hard to ignore. It’s the kind of honesty that may not win games, but it’s a breath of fresh air in a league often rife with cliché responses.