Quinn Ewers Electrifies in First Half Against Buccaneers
The Miami Dolphins’ Week 17 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium was marked by standout performances, particularly from rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. His dynamic play was underscored by an impressive 63-yard touchdown pass, showcasing his potential as a future leader for the Dolphins.
Injury Report and Lineup Changes
Before the game, the Dolphins faced notable challenges with their roster. Tua Tagovailoa was designated as the emergency third quarterback for the second week in a row, while center Aaron Brewer was sidelined due to a neck injury, ending his streak of 66 consecutive starts dating back to his time with the Tennessee Titans. In Brewer’s absence, Andrew Meyer stepped in as the starting center, making his season debut after being activated from injured reserve just days prior.
Quinn Ewers’ Poised Performance
Despite a shaky start with a three-and-out, Ewers quickly settled into a rhythm. Backed by a revitalized running game reminiscent of the Dolphins’ recent four-game winning streak, he demonstrated his potential as a future starter. Ewers’ ability to execute play-action fakes effectively was evident, further enhancing his performance.
Defensive Discipline and Key Highlights
The Dolphins’ defense showcased commendable discipline, successfully resisting attempts by the Buccaneers to draw them offside on multiple occasions. This discipline paid off when Tampa Bay, facing a fourth-and-1 situation, opted to delay the game instead of going for it, ultimately punting the ball away.
Theo Wease Jr., who struggled in his NFL debut against Cincinnati, made a significant impact by capitalizing on a coverage breakdown by the Buccaneers. Ewers delivered a precise throw, resulting in a stunning 63-yard touchdown. Additionally, rookie Jason Marshall Jr. shone during the first half, highlighted by an impressive interception that showcased his playmaking ability, despite benefiting from an underthrown pass by Baker Mayfield.
De’Von Achane’s touches were limited, yet he displayed flashes of brilliance. His connection with Ewers was evident, particularly during a beautiful touchdown drive at the end of the half that overcame a penalty setback. Meanwhile, cornerback Rasul Douglas continued his strong season with another solid performance, while rookie Zeek Biggers made his mark with a crucial block that helped maintain Miami’s 17-7 lead.
Areas for Improvement
However, the first half was not without its challenges. A questionable play call on a third-and-goal from the four-yard line resulted in a significant loss, as tight end Greg Dulcich was isolated without blockers. Ewers was also instructed to take deep shots, but an early attempt to Malik Washington surrounded by defenders proved to be a risky choice.
The Dolphins’ rookie defensive tackles, Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips, have shown growth but were unable to hold their ground during a crucial fourth-down conversion by the Buccaneers. Additionally, Ewers’ decision to complete a shovel pass that was batted up instead of batting the ball down to avoid a loss was a regrettable moment that highlighted the need for situational awareness.
Injuries loom as a concern, particularly with Jaylen Waddle walking to the locker room during the first half. Penalties plagued the Dolphins, nullifying significant gains and hampering offensive momentum. The sequence following a blocked field goal was particularly forgettable, and the team might benefit from reassessing their use of backward passes across the line of scrimmage.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the first half showcased both the strengths and weaknesses of the Dolphins as they navigate a challenging season. With Ewers shining bright, the focus now shifts to whether Miami can sustain this momentum in the second half and beyond. While the playoff picture may be bleak, the potential for growth and development remains a silver lining in this transitional phase.
