Quinn Ewers ignites discussion as Dolphins secure playoff push without stellar QB stats
Quinn Ewers garnered significant acclaim for his performance during the Miami Dolphins’ 24-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. Yet, this game underscored a prevailing narrative: the Dolphins’ success this season hinges on more than just their quarterback. While Ewers contributed by tossing two touchdown passes and steering clear of turnovers, the team’s triumph was primarily attributable to a well-rehearsed formula that has defined their seven wins this season: a balanced rushing attack paired with crucial takeaways.
Rushing Power and Defensive Prowess
In their matchup against Tampa Bay, the Dolphins executed 30 rushing attempts, improving their record to an impressive 7-0 when reaching that threshold. Conversely, Miami has struggled in games where they fail to hit that mark, with a dismal 0-9 record. However, it’s not merely about the number of rushing attempts; these often reflect the game’s momentum and the Dolphins’ ability to maintain a lead. This was evident as they overcame an early 7-0 deficit, marking just the second time this season they managed to do so after trailing, with the first instance occurring against the Washington Commanders in Spain.
Following Ewers’ touchdown pass to rookie Theo Wease Jr. that leveled the score in the first quarter, Miami never looked back. Key defensive plays, including an interception by safety Ashtyn Davis and a fumble recovery by Quinton Bell off a Bradley Chubb sack, further solidified their lead. The Dolphins ended the game with three takeaways, bolstering their record to 6-1 in games where they secure at least two turnovers, with the lone loss occurring in a previous encounter against the Carolina Panthers. Interestingly, the only victory where Miami didn’t force at least two turnovers was a Week 8 rout of the Atlanta Falcons, where they managed a single fumble recovery.
Ewers’ Modest Numbers Spark Debate
Despite the accolades, Ewers’ passing performance against Tampa Bay was modest at best, totaling just 172 yards. This followed a more promising debut where he threw for 260 yards in a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Notably, his stat line aligns closely with the average passing yards for Dolphins quarterbacks in victories this season, which stands at 168.9 yards. Tua Tagovailoa, for example, logged a season-high 205 yards against the Falcons, yet the team has repeatedly faltered whenever a quarterback surpassed 250 yards, losing all four games in which Tagovailoa did so.
This trend raises questions about the necessity of securing a high-profile quarterback for success next season. With Ewers at the helm, the Dolphins have managed to win seven games while requiring minimal offensive contributions from the quarterback position, provided he can protect the football. Miami’s record speaks volumes: they are 5-1 when they manage to avoid turnovers, the only exception being the aforementioned game against Carolina.
Challenges Against Playoff Competition
The Dolphins’ ability to win without elite quarterback performance does pose an intriguing point for their future. However, the stark reality remains that their struggles against playoff-caliber teams have persisted. Heading into the final week of the regular season, Miami holds a 1-4 record against teams with winning records, with their sole victory coming against the Buffalo Bills. Losses against the New England Patriots, Buffalo, the L.A. Chargers, and Pittsburgh highlight this challenge. The Dolphins are also winless in three matchups against teams currently standing at .500 or better, with defeats against Indianapolis, Carolina, and Baltimore.
This presents a crucial opportunity for Ewers to demonstrate his capability against tougher opponents. While the Dolphins have showcased their ability to win games without lofty quarterback statistics, the question remains whether they can continue this trend against formidable competition. As Miami considers its options for the future, the debate over the value of investing heavily in the quarterback position looms large, particularly given the team’s success in the face of adversity this season.
