Quinn Ewers is the first Dolphins rookie quarterback to throw two first-half touchdown passes since Dan Marino.

Pressure Point: QB Ewers impresses, but Dolphins’ 2026 plans shrouded in mystery

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Quinn Ewers, take 2: Much improved.

The rookie quarterback gave an eye-opening performance in his second start for the Miami Dolphins, throwing for two touchdowns Sunday in a 20-17 win against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team vying for the playoffs.

Ewers became the first Dolphins rookie quarterback to throw two first-half TD passes since — ta da — Dan Marino.

That is not to say that Ewers in the next Marino, though he has already shown more than some of the other 26 quarterbacks who have started for Miami since Marino retired.

It is also too soon to anoint the rookie from Texas the definitive answer to what the Dolphins have been seeking for a quarter century.

Though the self-confidence Ewers projected suggests he already believes he’s the new man for Miami.

The seventh-round draft pick was more poised and comfortable in the pocket in his second NFL start than Tua Tagovailoa showed all season.

But here’s the thing, no matter how well he plays, it is impossible to project these garbage-time games into relevance for next season. Because we don’t know who is going to be making the decisions about next year’s team.

Dolphins’ leadership plans remain unknown

Who’s the general manager? Who’s the coach?

More important, what is owner Steve Ross thinking? Does he have a clue?

The root of the Dolphins problem for years has been the owner. Ross has been great with infrastructure and bringing marquee events to Hard Rock Stadium. But as far as not only running but elevating the team he owns, his stewardship of the franchise has been an abysmal failure.

The rumor mill has Ross leaning toward retaining Mike McDaniel as coach. The effort the team showed against Tampa Bay may have cemented that, at least for Ross.

In that case, interim GM Champ Kelly probably stays in that role. It would be tough to lure a premier general manager if he arrives tethered to this coach.

The irony is that fired general manager Chris Grier’s final draft class has been mostly solid, with several standout contributors to Sunday’s win. In addition to Ewers’ performance, Jason Marshall Jr. had an interception, Zeek Biggers blocked a field goal, and defensive linemen Jordan Phillips and Kenneth Grant combined for five tackles.

Several Dolphins making case to return in 2026

In addition, Ewers’ touchdown passes went to Theo Wease Jr., an undrafted rookie wide receiver, and tight end Greg Dulcich, who was signed to the practice squad in late August. Safety Ashtyn Davis, an offseason free-agent signee, had an interception.

While Ewers has already settled in as the leader of the offense, the future of the position shouldn’t be considered settled.

The mission must be to find the best quarterback they can, to continue to seek the answer that Tagovailoa never fulfilled.

Considering how much they owe Tagovailoa next season, having Ewers as starter earning $1.005 million makes sense for 2026 while looking ahead to the 2027 draft, which is regarded as deeper for quarterbacks than the upcoming draft.

Ewers finished 14 of 22 for 172 yards with a passer rating of 118.0 and, notably, no interceptions or turnovers.

He appeared much more at ease in his second start with another week of practice with the first team.

Ewers made a nice read on a Bucs defensive set that left Wease running free for a 63-yard touchdown strike along the left sideline.

He threaded a third-down pass to Dulcich in the end zone for his second touchdown. Dulcich has emerged as Ewers’ favorite target, with five catches for 58 yards.


He also scrambled for a first down while the Dolphins were running out the clock.

Ewers making his case to start in 2026

But he was a late-round selection for a reason.

So far his accuracy on deep passes has been lacking, a reflection of a sidearm motion that is better suited for chucking hand grenades than delivering spot-on strikes down field. He is much better on mid-range passes. On check-downs, he’s quick and decisive in distributing the ball.

There is plenty to like about Quinn Ewers’ game after his two start to warrant further evaluation.

Yes, he’s shown he’s an asset with potential. He could turn out to be a solid backup in the NFL. Maybe he’s a stopgap starter for the Dolphins in 2026. Or he just might be here to stay for the long run.
For the moment, at least, he has rendered Tagovailoa to the role of high-priced cheerleader.

Craig Davis has covered South Florida sports and teams, including the Dolphins, for more than four decades. Follow him on the site formerly known as Twitter @CraigDavisRuns.

 

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