Quinn Ewers Looks to Help Dolphins Beat Bengals in His First Career Start

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Quinn Ewers is ready to get back under center.

The Miami Dolphins quarterback hasn’t started a game in almost a year, when Ohio State beat his Texas Longhorns in a College Football Playoff semifinal. That was months before Ewers was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Dolphins.

Since then, the three-year Texas starter has spent much of his time buried on Miami’s depth chart. That changed Wednesday morning, when coach Mike McDaniel announced that Miami was benching struggling starter Tua Tagovailoa in favor of Ewers for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

“Definitely have been through a lot leading up to where I am now,” Ewers said. “At Texas, shoot, even in high school, I think that’s all led me to where I am right now. And I just lean back on my faith and that foundation that I think I’ve done a good job to build up and leaning into that.”

Remaining Motivation

The Dolphins (6-8) and Bengals (4-10) were both eliminated from the postseason with losses in Week 15, but both teams have insisted there’s still motivation with three games left in the season.

“Any time you get the opportunity to strap up the pads … and prove your worth through all the hard work that you’ve put in, that’s what we’re all trying to do,” said Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow. “We have three opportunities to do that.”

Recent Performance

The Bengals made the playoffs in two of Burrow’s first three seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 2021 and AFC championship game in 2022, but they haven’t made the postseason since. The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000 — the longest drought in the NFL — and have missed the postseason in two straight seasons.

McDaniel said Ewers’ decisiveness and confidence give Miami “the best chance to win” on Sunday given Tagovailoa’s struggles, which include throwing a league-leading 15 interceptions this season.

Backup Quarterbacks

Zach Wilson, who has been Miami’s No. 2 quarterback most of the season, will back up Ewers. Tagovailoa will be the emergency third quarterback.

“At the end of the day that’s our jobs, me and Zach, and any backup quarterback in the NFL,” Ewers said, “is to be ready when your name is called. I think I’ve done a good job of studying even though I’m not getting any reps with the ones prior to this week. I think I’ve done a good job showing them that.”

Defensive Woes

Cincinnati’s defense has had positive stretches of play over the last four games, but the Bengals are ranked last in the league in overall defense, last against the run and in scoring.

After Baltimore’s Derrick Henry rushed for 100 yards last week, the Bengals have allowed six 100-yard rushers this season.

Leaning on the Run

The Dolphins run game was limited to just 63 yards against the Steelers last week, but Miami still leads the NFL in rushing yards per game (166.4) since Week 10.

Getting the run game going could take some pressure off Ewers, who said he wants to play “less frantic” than he did in his limited snaps earlier this season.

Dolphins Players React

Center Aaron Brewer, a Dolphins captain, said he supports McDaniel’s decision to go with Ewers and praised the rookie’s playmaking skills.

“I believe it was the right decision,” Brewer said. “I feel like the coach always (has) the best interest for the team.”

Conclusion

The Dolphins and Bengals may be out of the postseason running, but they still have a lot to play for. With Ewers at the helm, Miami is looking to end their season on a high note, while Cincinnati is trying to salvage what’s left of their disappointing year. As the two teams face off on Sunday, it will be interesting to see how Ewers performs in his first career start and whether the Dolphins can capitalize on the Bengals’ defensive struggles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is starting at quarterback for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday?

A: Quinn Ewers will be making his first career start for the Dolphins.

Q: Why was Tua Tagovailoa benched?

A: Tagovailoa was benched due to his struggles, including throwing a league-leading 15 interceptions this season.

Q: What is the current record of the Dolphins and Bengals?

A: The Dolphins are 6-8, while the Bengals are 4-10.

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