Miami Dolphins Rookie Has Solid Performance After Dreadful NFL Debut

After a shaky debut, Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered an encouraging performance in the team’s 24-17 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions. The seventh-round pick from Texas showed noticeable improvement, throwing two touchdown passes and leading a game-sealing 17-play scoring drive in the fourth quarter. It’s the kind of bounce-back that offers a glimpse of Ewers’ potential and raises questions about his future role in Miami’s quarterback rotation.

Miami Dolphins Quinn Ewers: Improvement Across the Board

Ewers’ preseason debut against the Chicago Bears left much to be desired. Completing just 5 of 18 passes for 91 yards in a 24-24 tie, Ewers struggled with accuracy and decision-making, though some of the issues could be chalked up to first-game jitters. Fast forward to this week against the Detroit Lions, and it was a different story.

The rookie completed 11 of 17 passes for 116 yards and two touchdowns. More importantly, Ewers appeared far more comfortable in the pocket. His poise and ability to lead drives underscored the progress he and Miami’s offense made between games.

“As a whole, I think we were just overall more comfortable,” Ewers said postgame. “Game one, we kind of got our jitters out, and out here it felt like we were just able to go out and play our game and perform at a good level.”

Though not flawless—he narrowly avoided throwing an interception late in the fourth quarter—Ewers’ performance highlighted his ability to shake off adversity and adjust to the speed of the NFL.

Building Chemistry with Theo Wease Jr.

One of the game’s highlights was Ewers’ connection with undrafted free agent receiver Theo Wease Jr., who caught both of the rookie quarterback’s touchdown passes. The chemistry between the two was evident, with Wease making crisp cuts and Ewers delivering the ball with confidence.

Wease is fighting for his own spot on the Dolphins’ roster, and his ability to step up in moments like these only bolsters his case. For Ewers, having a reliable outlet like Wease could be instrumental in his development as he continues to adjust to NFL defenses.

The pair’s standout moment came on a third-quarter drive that culminated in a precision pass from Ewers to Wease for a touchdown. The score capped off a 68-yard drive, one of three scoring drives led by Ewers on the day.

Navigating the QB Depth Chart

Ewers’ improvement comes within the context of a crowded quarterback depth chart in Miami. Veteran Zach Wilson, who started Saturday’s game for the Dolphins, played the entire first half and turned in a solid performance, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown. With Tua Tagovailoa entrenched as the starter, the backup competition between Wilson and Ewers will be worth monitoring as the preseason progresses.

Head coach Mike McDaniel was measured in his postgame comments, emphasizing the importance of process over results. “I thought there was some really good things [Ewers] did, some things he could do better,” McDaniel said. “Basically, the journey of a quarterback is you have to learn to be able to take whatever reps you have, work on your own, and apply it to your game.”

McDaniel’s approach reflects the Miami Dolphins’ long-term investment in development, particularly for a seventh-round pick like Ewers. The rookie’s progression will depend on his ability to capitalize on limited opportunities, continue refining his mechanics, and master the intricacies of McDaniel’s offensive system.

What This Means for Ewers and the Dolphins

Quinn Ewers’ bounce-back performance certainly gives the Dolphins something to think about. While one solid preseason showing won’t vault him into the immediate backup role, it does solidify his case for a longer look in the team’s development plans.

Playing behind seasoned veterans like Tagovailoa and Wilson gives Ewers the opportunity to learn without the immediate pressure of a starting job. However, as Ewers himself noted, there’s still room for growth.

“There’s obviously a lot of room to grow,” Ewers said. “I missed a couple throws, missed a couple reads, but there’s a lot of stuff to learn from this game.”

For the Dolphins, it’s a positive sign to have depth and competition at the quarterback position. With Tagovailoa leading the charge and strong performances from both Wilson and Ewers, Miami’s quarterback room is well-equipped to handle the challenges of the upcoming season.

Final Thoughts

Quinn Ewers’ performance against the Lions shows exactly what you’d want to see from a rookie quarterback—a step forward. His ability to rebound from a difficult debut and showcase composure, accuracy, and leadership is a testament to his potential.

The Miami Dolphins aren’t rushing him, and that’s the right call. Ewers has plenty of room to grow, but with a solid foundation being laid during preseason action, the future looks bright for Miami’s rookie signal-caller.