Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers will take the field for the first time in his NFL career against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Coaching Decision
McDaniel told reporters on Wednesday that he had demoted incumbent starter Tua Tagovailoa to emergency use and moved Zach Wilson to the backup role, paving the way for Ewers to start. “My intent and motivation are, concretely, to do the best thing for the team,” McDaniel said. “Quinn’s disposition and relationship with his teammates … gives us the best opportunity to beat the Bengals.”
Depth Chart Shakeup
Ewers has spent the entire season as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart behind Wilson and Tagovailoa. The decision marks the first start of his career in his rookie season, a milestone he has reached after a season of learning and observation.
Ewers’ Rise
McDaniel praised Ewers’ demeanor, noting that the rookie carries himself with an aura of confidence. He said the confidence is not cockiness, and that the player is all business. “If you saw his face on draft day, he’s a competitor who believes in himself,” McDaniel said. “He was very excited for the opportunity, but also very understanding of what it means. He left my office and went to work.”
Ewers’ Confidence
Ewers described the start as a dream come true. He reflected on the growth and improvement he has experienced physically and mentally during the first seven months of his professional career. “Watching Tua in-game and in practice has been so helpful because he’s been successful in this league, so he’s been a good one to watch,” Ewers said. “He’s in a tough and frustrating situation, but he’s been really helpful to me.”
NFL Debut
Ewers recalled his NFL debut against the Browns on Oct. 19, where he completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards in a 31-6 loss. He said the pace felt frantic and that he plans to calm down in future games. “It was a bit frantic,” he said, smiling. “I’ll try to calm down a little bit.”
Playing Style
During his brief time on the field, Ewers noted that he wants to play a full 60 minutes but recognizes that might not happen. He said he is ready for the opportunity if the coaching staff wants him to. “There are a couple of stats that really matter, and one of them is turnover margin, so that’s very important,” Ewers said. “At the same time, you want to play with conviction and aggression, so you’re not hesitant. There’s a happy medium there.”
Steve Sarkisian’s View
Steve Sarkisian, Ewers’ former Texas Longhorns coach, expressed satisfaction that the quarterback has found a team with a similar offensive scheme. “Once you don’t get drafted in the first round or early in the second, you hope you go to a good place with a good system that fits you,” Sarkisian said, “and I don’t know if there was a better fit than Quinn going to Miami. I’m looking forward to his opportunity on Sunday.”
Team Outlook
The Dolphins sit at a 6-8 record and are out of playoff contention, meaning Ewers could have a relatively low-pressure three-game stretch. The coaching staff hopes the experience will benefit him moving forward. The game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium at noon CT.
Coaching Strategy
McDaniel emphasized that Ewers’ confidence and relationship with teammates are key factors in the decision. He said the rookie’s disposition gives the team the best chance to win. The move also signals a shift in the Dolphins’ offensive strategy for the remainder of the season.
Player Roles
Tagovailoa remains on the roster as an emergency starter, while Wilson occupies the backup role. Both players will provide depth and mentorship for Ewers during the season. The coaching staff believes the experience will help the team’s overall performance.
Confidence and Chemistry
McDaniel highlighted that Ewers carries an aura of confidence that is not cockiness. He noted that the rookie’s competitive nature and belief in himself were evident from draft day. The confidence translates into a positive dynamic within the team.
Focus on Turnovers
Ewers expressed a desire to play with conviction and aggression, while also maintaining discipline to avoid turnovers. He said that finding a balance between these elements is crucial. The focus on turnover margin aligns with the team’s defensive priorities.
Development Opportunity
With the Dolphins’ record at 6-8, the team is not in a playoff race, allowing Ewers to develop without the pressure of a win-or-lose situation. The coaching staff sees this as an opportunity for him to gain experience and grow into a more seasoned player.
First Start
The game against Cincinnati will be Ewers’ first NFL start, and the Dolphins will look to capitalize on his confidence and chemistry with teammates. The coaching staff believes the decision will give the team the best chance to win.
Key Takeaways
- McDaniel has named rookie Quinn Ewers the starting quarterback against the Bengals.
- Ewers has grown from a third-ranked backup to a confident starter.
- The Dolphins’ 6-8 record means Ewers can develop with low pressure.
Closing
The Dolphins’ decision to start Ewers reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities and the team’s desire to build a foundation for the future. The upcoming game will test the rookie’s readiness and the team’s offensive cohesion.
