The Dolphins still have a lot to play for — and that starts with Quinn Ewers
The Miami Dolphins might not have much to play for on the surface.
They are officially eliminated from the postseason. They have benched Tua Tagovailoa in favor of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. And currently are without a long-term plan at general manger or, quite possibly, head coach.
Ask players as well as coaches, however, and they will tell you that these last three games have some importance.
“I didn’t play at all last year,” edge rusher Bradley Chubb said. “ I ain’t play one snap, so being able to be out there with my guys, no matter what the situation is, that’s what I prayed for all those times I was rehabbing and upset that I wasn’t playing. I got goals I’m trying to hit and achieve, and it’s still very much open over these next three games.”
Regardless of how unceremoniously postseason dreams ended on Monday, the Dolphins still have to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. They, for one, couldn't care less about a quarterback change, injuries or the postseason — especially considering that Joe Burrow and company have already been eliminated. Instead, Sunday’s game, originally billed as a showdown between the first two quarterbacks taken in the 2020 NFL Draft, will be more so about pride than anything else.
“I’m not coaching Pop Warner where it’s like, ‘Let everybody get a turn. Let’s make sure everybody is happy,’” defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said, emphasizing that he’s still “trying to win” on Sunday. “For three games, those guys that are wearing Miami Dolphins decals and playing defense for me, we’re going to play with every ounce of heart and fight that we’ve got, I promise you that.”
Arguably the most important aspect of Sunday’s game will be how Ewers looks. The former Texas standout was handed the reigns to the offense on Wednesday after Tagovailoa’s lackluster outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers that saw him throw for les than yards through three quarters. Ewers will benefit greatly from playmakers such as Jaylen Waddle as well as De’Von Achane.
“Just making sure I’m on my details, making sure I’m doing my job, making sure he’s processing everything, making sure that I’m doing everything to make sure that he’s not worried about me,” the receiver said of how he could help the rookie quarterback.
Added Achane: “Running the ball is kind of easy as far as the quarterback just handing the ball off and stuff like that. It takes a lot off your plate as far as going out there your first game and throwing the ball 54 times.”
The trio of rushers — Achane, Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II — could benefit Ewers greatly. As much as the rookie might want to showcase his arm, a reliance on the run game could serve all parties involved. For one, it would take less pressure off Ewers as well as help push Achane to his first Pro Bowl berth.
“We always want to be able to run the ball effectively and efficiently,” running backs coach Eric Studesville said. “The best way we can help Quinn is to make sure we’re ready to contribute in the run game, pass protection, in the routes — whatever that is to support him with his opportunity here.”
Early returns on Ewers’ first practice as starting quarterback were positive.
“As an offense, we were operating efficiently,” tackle Patrick Paul said, calling Ewers “a poised professional.”
Added Waddle: “He’s quiet, but you can see the confidence in his play, you can see the confidence — he got swag to him. I’m excited to just go out there and watch the young buck spin.”
Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s game, a lot will be learned about the future of this team. Sure, the team rallied around coach Mike McDaniel after the firing of general manager Chris Grier yet will they continue to do so with a playoff appearance no longer on the line? And will Ewers be the future of the Dolphins’ quarterback situation?
All these questions and more will be answered by Sunday evening.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity, and I’m super thankful that the staff believes in me to go out there and give us an opportunity to go win an NFL football game,” Ewers said. “I know going back on it, telling my 10-year-old, 12-year-old self the opportunity that I have in front of me, he’d be pretty stoked.”
