Dolphins Play Spoiler vs Buccaneers as Young Talent Shines in Week 17
The Miami Dolphins entered Week 17 with their playoff aspirations already extinguished, effectively turning their final home game of the 2025 season into a glorified audition for the 2026 roster. Across the field, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrived at Hard Rock Stadium with everything to lose, needing a win to secure their footing in the NFC South title race.
In a surprising turn of events, it was the team with nothing to play for that looked more composed. Miami’s 20-17 victory didn’t just serve as a morale booster in a challenging 6-9 season; it provided tangible proof that the franchise’s evaluation of young talent is heading in the right direction. For Tampa Bay, the loss signals a potential collapse at the worst possible time.
Here are the major takeaways from Sunday’s clash in Miami Gardens and what the result means for both organizations moving forward.
Quinn Ewers Offers a Glimpse of the Future
With Tua Tagovailoa designated as the emergency third quarterback, the spotlight turned fully to Quinn Ewers. In a season defined by inconsistency and injuries, the Dolphins needed to see if Ewers could operate an NFL offense with competence. He did more than that on Sunday.
Ewers didn’t just manage the game; he drove the ball downfield. His connection with Theo Wease was the highlight of the afternoon. Facing a third-and-8, Ewers exploited a coverage breakdown in the Buccaneers’ secondary to hit Wease for a 63-yard touchdown. It was a milestone moment—the first career NFL touchdown for both the quarterback and the receiver.
Later, Ewers found tight end Greg Dulcich for an 11-yard score, giving Miami a 17-7 lead before the half. For Dulcich, it was his first touchdown in three years, but for the Dolphins’ front office, it was validation. Seeing a young quarterback elevate the play of those around him—including a practice squad center in Andrew Meyer, who started in place of the injured Aaron Brewer—provides a foundational building block for the offseason strategy. Ewers looked poised, decisive, and ready to compete for a larger role in 2026.
Bradley Chubb Cashes In on a Massive Incentive
While the team wins and losses might not impact Miami’s playoff standing, individual performances still carried immense weight. No one felt that more than team captain Bradley Chubb. Entering the game, Chubb needed 1.5 sacks to reach eight on the season, a milestone that would trigger a $900,000 contract bonus. However, the bonus came with a caveat: the Dolphins’ defense also had to finish in the top 20 in points allowed.
Chubb played like a man with nearly a million dollars on the line. His strip-sack of Baker Mayfield wasn’t just a highlight-reel play; it was a financial windfall. It also rallied a defense that entered the day ranked No. 22 in points allowed. By holding the Buccaneers to just 17 points, the unit likely did enough to boost their statistical standing, helping Chubb secure his payday.
This level of effort in a “meaningless” game speaks to the culture head coach Mike McDaniel is trying to maintain. Veterans aren’t checking out, and that creates an environment where rookies can develop properly.
Tampa Bay Faces a Crisis of Confidence
For the Buccaneers, this loss is catastrophic. In a game they simply had to have, they faltered in critical moments. Baker Mayfield’s performance was a microcosm of the team’s struggles. While he managed a touchdown pass to Chris Godwin, his decision-making under pressure was suspect.
The defining sequence came in the fourth quarter. With a chance to cut into the lead, Mayfield threw an ill-advised pass that was intercepted by safety Ashtyn Davis. Earlier in the game, a promising drive in the red zone imploded when Mayfield attempted to pull back a pass, fumbled, recovered it himself, and took a 7-yard loss. That error forced Tampa Bay to settle for a field goal rather than a game-tying touchdown.
These aren’t the mistakes of a playoff-ready team. The loss means the NFC South title—and the Bucs’ postseason life—will come down to a Week 18 duel with the Carolina Panthers. If Tampa Bay plays with this level of inconsistency next week, their season will end abruptly.
Special Teams and Defense Step Up
The Dolphins’ victory wasn’t solely offensive. The special teams and defensive units provided the spark necessary to hold off a desperate Buccaneers squad.
Defensive tackle Zeek Biggers made perhaps the most athletic play of the day for a lineman, getting his fingers on a 55-yard field goal attempt by Chase McLaughlin to block the kick. In a game decided by three points, that block was the difference-maker.
Furthermore, rookie cornerback Jason Marshall continued to impress. He recorded a tackle for loss and an acrobatic interception where he tipped the pass to himself while falling. Malik Washington also contributed with a 44-yard kickoff return that set up a field goal. When a team is out of contention, you look for young players who compete hard. Marshall, Biggers, and Washington proved they belong on the 53-man roster next season.
The Cost of the Game
The win did not come without a price for Miami. The Dolphins saw significant attrition on the injury front, raising questions about roster depth heading into the final week and the offseason.
Most concerning was pass rusher Chop Robinson, who exited the game with a concussion. It is his second concussion of the season, a worrying trend for a second-year player expected to be a cornerstone of the defense. His 2025 season is likely over, shifting the focus to his long-term health and recovery.
Additionally, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a rib injury that forced him to the locker room, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks left with a hamstring issue. While the win was satisfying, the toll on the roster highlights the need for better depth in the coming draft.
Outlook for Week 18
Ultimately, this game served its purpose for Miami. They avoided a morale-crushing home loss, evaluated their rookie quarterback effectively, and played the role of spoiler. They now head into a final matchup against the New England Patriots with a chance to end a disappointing year on a high note.
For Tampa Bay, the road ahead is treacherous. They squandered an opportunity against a 6-9 team and now face a do-or-die scenario. The pressure in their facility this week will be immense, and based on Sunday’s performance, it’s unclear if they have the composure to handle it.
