MIAMI GARDENS — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel met with reporters to explain the switch of quarterbacks from Tua Tagovailoa to rookie Quinn Ewers.
Highlights:
On why Mike McDaniel chose Quinn Ewers
Why Quinn Ewers?
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“The simple piece is I think Quinn gives this team the best chance to win.”
More Dolphins: Quinn Ewers to replace benched Tua Tagovailoa for Miami Dolphins
“I’m looking for conviction in quarterback play. Given that he’s a rookie, I think he’ll play the position most convicted. … I needed more conviction from the quarterback.”
How did each of the three QBs react to the news?
Zach Wilson will be the backup QB vs. the Bengals. Tua Tagovailoa will be the emergency backup QB.
“They understood that my intent and my motivation is concretely to do the best thing for the team. That being said, Quinn’s conversation was different than Tua’s and Zach’s. Starting with Tua, it wasn’t easy for him to hear. It was a tough conversation but I think he also exhibited what makes him a captain and a leader on this team.”
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Wilson?
“I think as a competitor was very disappointed and again, I took the time to talk through the various reasons that ultimately I just, flat out, it’s as easy as, Quinn’s disposition, it’s uncharted territory as a rookie.”
McDaniel called those “tough conversations, these aren’t decisions I take easy.”
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers (QB04) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Ewers’ reaction?
“Quinn has a natural disposition of confidence. Not cockiness. Confidence. If you saw his face on draft day, he’s a competitor who believes in himself.”
Did owner Stephen Ross give his input on QB1?
McDaniel said owner Stephen Ross did not weigh in on the move.
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“Since he hired me, he hired me as head coach to make these decisions.”
McDaniel said he didn’t see this move coming earlier in the season.
Is McDaniel disappointed with the way it turned out with Tua?
McDaniel said he’s only thinking about the 2025 Dolphins.
“I have no idea — the emotions are not part of my duty. At times when there are tough decisions to be made, the furthest thing in my scope is how I feel. … Thinking about those broad scopes, that’s dismissive to the players in that locker room.”
Were injuries hampering Tagovailoa’s play?
Were Tagovailoa’s injuries (hip, ankle) affecting his play?
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“It would be super irresponsible for me to project that.”
What about McDaniel’s relationship with Tagovailoa?
“Again, it comes back to real relationships are built on trust. The conversations explicitly with the guys that I knew the news wasn’t going to be the best thing they wanted to hear, they knew my intent. And my intent was the best thing I needed to do. … It’s as awkward as you want to make it. Each one knows their jobs this week.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Quinn Ewers starting at QB gives Miami Dolphins ‘best chance to win’
