### Dolphins' Quarterback Dilemma: A Shift Towards Quinn Ewers The Miami Dolphins are navigating a significant transition at the quarterback position as they prepare for the final two games of the 2025 NFL season. Rookie Quinn Ewers has been named the starting quarterback, taking over from Tua Tagovailoa, who has been benched due to inconsistent performance and injuries. Ewers made his debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he initially showed promise but ultimately faced challenges as the game progressed, leading to a 45-21 loss. This decision reflects the Dolphins' urgent need to revitalize their offense and reassess their long-term strategy at the quarterback position, especially with the upcoming offseason and draft looming large on the horizon [https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-analysis-d3ec5baa7a1fd40cf2804de4e5295077][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/quinn-ewers-set-second-start-174800857.html]. ### Structure of the Dolphins' Quarterback Situation 1. **Current Status of Quinn Ewers** - Ewers is set to start for the Dolphins in the last two games of the season after a shaky first outing against the Bengals [https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-analysis-d3ec5baa7a1fd40cf2804de4e5295077]. - Coach Mike McDaniel has expressed confidence in Ewers, indicating a commitment to evaluating his performance moving forward [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/quinn-ewers-set-second-start-174800857.html]. 2. **Tua Tagovailoa's Bench Status** - Tagovailoa has been demoted to a third-string role, with reports suggesting he may have played his final down for the Dolphins [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/florida/benched-tua-tagovailoa-has-played-final-down-for-dolphins-per-report]. - The Dolphins are reportedly considering moving on from Tagovailoa in the offseason, which raises questions about his future with the franchise [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tua-tagovailoa-s-dolphins-future-feels-far-secure-nfl-insider-ian-rapoport-reveals-uncertainty-qb]. 3. **Coaching Decisions and Future Implications** - Coach Mike McDaniel's decision to start Ewers over Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson indicates a shift in the team's strategy and evaluation of quarterbacks [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/miami-dolphins/news/why-quinn-ewers-starting-qb-dolphins-not-tua-tagovailoa-or-zach-wilson/c24b9f69f2d37c8da90f7a14]. - The Dolphins are also looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they may seek a new franchise quarterback, highlighting the urgency of their current situation [https://phinphanatic.com/miami-dolphins-land-new-franchise-quarterback-in-latest-2026-nfl-mock-draft-01kd0qdqwv5q]. ### Evidence of the Dolphins' Quarterback Transition - **Quinn Ewers' Performance**: In his first start, Ewers completed 10 of his first 12 passes but struggled in the second half, contributing to a significant loss [https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/21/dolphins-unravel-in-second-half-vs-bengals-quinn-ewers-loses-first-start]. - **Tua Tagovailoa's Bench Decision**: The decision to bench Tagovailoa was influenced by his inconsistent play and the team's overall performance, which has not met expectations this season [https://diz.news/dolphins-bench-tua-tagovailoa-for-rookie-quinn-ewers-in-upcoming-bengals-game]. - **Future Draft Considerations**: The Dolphins are actively considering their options for the upcoming draft, indicating a potential shift in their long-term quarterback strategy [https://phinphanatic.com/miami-dolphins-land-new-franchise-quarterback-in-latest-2026-nfl-mock-draft-01kd0qdqwv5q]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the Dolphins The Miami Dolphins are at a crossroads with their quarterback situation, marked by the following key points: 1. **Quinn Ewers is now the starting quarterback**, with the team looking to evaluate his potential in the final games of the season [https://apnews.com/article/dolphins-analysis-d3ec5baa7a1fd40cf2804de4e5295077]. 2. **Tua Tagovailoa's future is uncertain**, as he has been benched and may not return to the starting role [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/florida/benched-tua-tagovailoa-has-played-final-down-for-dolphins-per-report]. 3. **The Dolphins are preparing for the offseason**, with potential plans to draft a new franchise quarterback, indicating a significant shift in their long-term strategy [https://phinphanatic.com/miami-dolphins-land-new-franchise-quarterback-in-latest-2026-nfl-mock-draft-01kd0qdqwv5q]. This transition period will be crucial for the Dolphins as they seek to redefine their identity and improve their performance in the coming seasons.