Dolphins HBO ‘Hard Knocks’ 2023: Best Fan Tweets, Memes from Episode 8
Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 10, 2024
Rich Storry/Getty Images
It’s been a Hard Knock life for the Miami Dolphins of late, and HBO viewers got another look at that Tuesday.
While there was a time when an AFC East crown seemed like nothing more than a formality for the Dolphins after a 9-3 start, they dropped three of their final five games and saw a chance at the No. 1 seed and a division title slip from their grasp.
The last loss was the most difficult, as it gave the Buffalo Bills the AFC East championship.
Screen Nerds Podcast @screennerdspodNo matter how the season ends for the Dolphins, this has been the best in season #HardKnocks season there has been
J P S @JPSpartanIt would be great to see the Dolphins on #HardKnocks next August too.
But Tuesday’s episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the Miami Dolphins was about more than just the game itself. Much of it focused on the preparation that takes place before one of the biggest contests of the season.
And that preparation started with a stirring speech from head coach Mike McDaniel, who stressed to his team “the reason why we’re frustrated is because we have high expectations that we f—-ng created.”
NFL @NFLMike McDaniel knows this @MiamiDolphins team can overcome adversity.
“We are in this together, earning it.” 💯#HardKnocks tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/Wd95GfEFux
David Fischer @DavidFischer_71Mike McDaniel is the best man for this job.
Any opinion other than that is ignorant at best. pic.twitter.com/RyONX9otDx
Jason Sanders Stan Account @Kameron2494How can anyone hate Mike McDaniel?
McDaniel has been heavily featured throughout the season, but viewers got a closer look into his football and personal journey that saw him bounce around various staffs in Houston, Washington, Cleveland, Atlanta and San Francisco before becoming the head coach in Miami.
He admitted issues with alcohol held him back for many years, but he is eight years sober now and used that milestone when talking to his team as another example of rising to meet opportunity in the face of adversity.
Ken Fang — Very Asian @fangsbitesMike McDaniel’s story about his sobriety in this episode of Hard Knocks. Very real. He said it was eight years sober. One day at a time. One more thing to appreciate about him.
dolphinslaxer @dolphinslaxer”Adversity is an opportunity.” – Coach Mike McDaniel
That’s damn right. #FinsUp
Michael Burgett @michaelburgettA little bit of irony that on the day Mike Vrabel gets fired, the latest episode of Hard Knocks has Mike McDaniel recall an interview with the Titans that fell through…(it was in 2011…what could’ve been)
And adversity was the theme of Tuesday’s episode, both on and off the field.
There was the team coming together to provide support for Tyreek Hill after his house caught on fire. There was also a defense fighting through a number of injuries, including one to linebacker Jerome Baker that will keep him out of the playoffs.
Al Butler @ALaboutSportsTyreek Hill provided an update on his house fire on Hard Knocks: “The house is done…Smoke damage, fire damage, the whole upstairs is burnt down.”
The Baker setback was particularly difficult because he worked his way back from another injury to return for the Bills game.
NFL Films @NFLFilmsJust another step in the journey 🏃♂️#HardKnocks | @Lastname_Baker pic.twitter.com/mMi1IJrJjJ
David Furones @DavidFurones_And sure enough, one Dolphins practice last week was wrapped up by Jerome Baker making note of this before the regular-season finale against the Bills. #HardKnocks https://t.co/iIfPwftubz
Gettin’ Diggy with It 🏈 @disneywifeeOk I’m not going to lie though. I feel bad for Jerome Baker. I didn’t realize he just came back
Omar Kelly @OmarKellyI’m so glad Hard Knocks showed Jerome Baker’s rehab process.
David Furones @DavidFurones_#HardKnocks shows Dolphins LB Jerome Baker clutching at his right wrist after a tackle on Dalton Kincaid in the second half against the Bills. He’s now out for season after having surgery on the wrist, which followed a return from four weeks out with a knee injury.
Unfortunately for Miami fans, Tuesday’s episode eventually made it to that game.
While the Dolphins set the tone in the early going with a strong defensive performance as they built a 14-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter, a 96-yard punt return from Deonte Harty turned the game around for Buffalo. The Bills took the lead for good later in the quarter when Dawson Knox hauled in a touchdown catch.
Miami had one more chance to force overtime on its final drive, but Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception to Taylor Rapp. It was a fitting ending considering the offense struggled for much of the game as the quarterback threw for just 173 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Mike McDaniel’s Brother @tua1of1Sitting down for Hard Knocks – Can’t wait!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/6EJwzmGJyc
As a result, the Dolphins are the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs and will have to travel to face the reigning Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.
Talk about more adversity.
