Quinn Ewers makes his mark in Dolphins debut
Quinn Ewers stepped into the spotlight as the 27th starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins since the legendary Dan Marino hung up his cleats. Taking the reins in his first NFL start against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ewers garnered attention from head coach Mike McDaniel, who acknowledged the young quarterback’s performance despite the less-than-ideal statistics that accompanied it.
Ewers posted a passer rating of 66.0, alongside two interceptions in the game. However, McDaniel expressed confidence in Ewers’ ability to handle the pressure of being an NFL starter for the first time.
“I thought he did for the team as much if not more than could be reasonably expected,” McDaniel remarked. He emphasized the importance of composure and understanding the game, especially for rookie quarterbacks. “You want to see them able to hold onto the ball when the pocket allows but to get rid of it when the pressure is on. I think he showed that, and it was impressive.”
Context of Ewers’ Performance
While the statistics may not tell the full story, Ewers’ ability to remain composed under pressure is a key takeaway from his debut. It’s a trait that will shape public perception and expectations moving forward. The Dolphins have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position since Marino’s departure, and Ewers’ performance adds another chapter to this ongoing narrative of searching for a franchise quarterback.
To fully appreciate Ewers’ debut, it’s worth comparing his performance to those of the previous quarterbacks who have donned the Dolphins jersey since Marino.
A Look Back at the 26 Predecessors
Jay Fiedler, 2000, Week 1, vs. Seattle
Fiedler’s debut came during a dominant 23-0 victory, where he completed 15 of 24 passes for 134 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
Damon Huard, 2000, Week 13, at Indianapolis
Huard’s first start was a solid outing, finishing 22 of 33 for 183 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in a 17-14 win.
Ray Lucas, 2002, Week 7, vs. Buffalo
Lucas faced a rough start in his debut, going 13 for 33 for 165 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions in a 24-10 loss.
Brian Griese, 2003, Week 8, vs. San Diego
In a memorable debut, Griese completed 20 of 29 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns during a 26-10 victory.
A.J. Feeley, 2004, Week 2, at Cincinnati
Feeley struggled, completing 21 of 39 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in a narrow 16-13 loss.
Sage Rosenfels, 2004, Week 17, at Baltimore
Rosenfels’ first start ended in a 30-23 loss, with him going 16 for 38 for 264 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
Gus Frerotte, 2005, Week 1, vs. Denver
Frerotte shone in his debut, completing 24 of 36 passes for 275 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in a 34-10 victory.
Daunte Culpepper, 2006, Week 1, at Pittsburgh
Culpepper’s time with the Dolphins began poorly, finishing 18 for 37 for 262 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 28-17 loss.
Joey Harrington, 2006, Week 5, at New England
Harrington struggled as well, going 26 of 41 for 232 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions during a forgettable game.
Cleo Lemon, 2006, Week 17, at Indianapolis
Lemon’s first start saw him complete 18 of 36 passes for 210 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a close 27-22 loss.
Trent Green, 2007, Week 1, at Washington
Green performed admirably, finishing 24 of 38 for 219 yards and one touchdown in a narrow overtime loss.
John Beck, 2007, Week 11, at Philadelphia
Beck’s debut was a struggle, completing only 9 of 22 passes for 109 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 17-7 loss.
Chad Pennington, 2008, Week 1, vs. N.Y. Jets
Pennington started strong, completing 26 of 43 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns, although the Dolphins lost 20-14.
Chad Henne, 2009, Week 4, vs. Buffalo
Henne won his debut with a modest performance of 115 yards and a touchdown in a 38-10 victory.
Tyler Thigpen, 2010, Week 10, vs. Chicago
Thigpen’s start ended in disappointment, going 17 of 29 for 187 yards and one interception in a 16-0 defeat.
Matt Moore, 2011, Week 6, at N.Y. Jets
Moore struggled in his first start, with 204 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in a 24-6 loss.
Ryan Tannehill, 2012, Week 1, at Houston
Tannehill faced a tough challenge, completing 20 of 36 passes for 219 yards, three interceptions, and a loss.
Jay Cutler, 2017, Week 1, at L.A. Chargers
Cutler’s debut was a success, finishing 24 of 33 for 230 yards and one touchdown in a 19-17 victory.
Brock Osweiler, 2018, Week 6, vs. Chicago
Osweiler had a standout game, completing 28 of 44 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 31-28 win.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, 2019, Week 1, vs. Baltimore
Fitzpatrick struggled in a 59-10 loss, completing 14 of 29 passes for 185 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Josh Rosen, 2019, Week 3, at Dallas
Rosen’s first start was less than stellar, finishing with 200 yards and no touchdowns in a 31-6 defeat.
Tua Tagovailoa, 2020, Week 8, vs. L.A. Rams
Tagovailoa’s debut was supported by a strong defensive performance, leading to a win despite his modest stats.
Jacoby Brissett, 2021, Week 3, at Las Vegas
Brissett had a solid outing with 32 completions but fell short in overtime, losing 31-28.
Teddy Bridgewater, 2022, Week 5, at N.Y. Jets
Bridgewater’s game was cut short due to a concussion, resulting in a difficult loss for the Dolphins.
Skylar Thompson, 2022, Week 6, vs. Minnesota
Thompson played briefly before injury struck, finishing with 89 yards in a 24-16 loss.
Tyler Huntley, 2024, Week 4, vs. Tennessee
Huntley’s first start was marred by penalties and turnovers, leading to a disappointing performance.
Ewers’ Place in the Rankings
In terms of his debut performance, Ewers ranks 13th among the 27 post-Marino quarterbacks. His final numbers—20 completions on 30 attempts for 260 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions—may not dazzle, but his composure and ability to handle pressure indicate potential for growth. As the Dolphins continue to seek stability at the quarterback position, Ewers’ journey has only just begun.
