Miami Dolphins QB Situation: McDaniel Stands by Tua Amid Ewers and Wilson Showdown
The Miami Dolphins are navigating uncharted waters in their quarterback situation following a disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Mike McDaniel has shed some light on the team’s direction, announcing that Tua Tagovailoa will retain his starting role. Meanwhile, a fierce competition is brewing between rookie Quinn Ewers and veteran Zach Wilson for the backup position ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Tua Tagovailoa Decision
In the wake of Tagovailoa’s concerning performances, particularly his second consecutive game with three interceptions, questions about his place in the lineup have intensified. Despite the outcry for a change, particularly after a particularly dismal outing in Cleveland, McDaniel has emphatically backed his quarterback. He acknowledged the scrutiny but insisted that Tagovailoa remains the best option for leading the team.
McDaniel’s confidence is grounded in Tagovailoa’s potential to bounce back. “Until proven otherwise, he’s still clearly the best quarterback on the roster,” McDaniel stated, emphasizing that winning games is his top priority as head coach. When announcing that Tagovailoa would start against Atlanta, he added with a hint of humor, “and my expectation is that we don’t throw 10 picks.”
Backup Battle Heating Up
The conversation surrounding the backup role has picked up momentum, especially since Ewers was elevated to the No. 2 quarterback for the first time during the Cleveland game. This move came after McDaniel decided to bench Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter, a decision that allowed Ewers to log his first NFL snaps.
Following the game, McDaniel revealed that the decision to promote Ewers was a result of his performance during the week leading up to the contest. Looking ahead, he indicated that both Ewers and Wilson would compete for the backup role, with the hope that one could secure the position for the long haul.
“I make a very calculated, intentional effort to observe each player every week,” McDaniel explained. He expressed his desire for stability at the backup spot, noting that he hoped the competition would lead to a definitive choice rather than a week-to-week rotation.
Performance Under Pressure
In his debut, Ewers completed 5 of 8 passes for 53 yards, showcasing a strong 40-yard connection with receiver Dee Eskridge but also faced two sacks during his time on the field. Wilson, who entered the game at the end of the Week 1 loss against Indianapolis, mirrored his performance, completing 5 of 8 passes but only accumulating 32 yards without being sacked.
The juxtaposition of a seasoned free agent and a rookie vying for the same spot raises eyebrows. Should the Dolphins be in a rebuilding mindset, the focus on Ewers may suggest a shift towards future development. However, if McDaniel is aiming to salvage his job by securing wins, this ongoing competition could reflect poorly on past offseason decisions.
Financial Implications
The Dolphins signed Wilson to a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth $6 million, spreading the cap hit over void years. Currently, his impact on the salary cap stands at approximately $2.2 million. This financial commitment further complicates the situation, as the team must weigh the benefits of developing Ewers against the investment made in their veteran quarterback.
As the Dolphins prepare for their next game, the outcome of this quarterback battle will have significant implications not only for the team’s immediate performance but also for the broader strategy as they navigate the challenges of the 2026 season and beyond.
