In his debut as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, Quinn Ewers faced a challenging outing, leading the team to a disappointing 45-21 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 24, 2023. The rookie, drafted in the seventh round from Texas, was expected to bring a fresh perspective to a team struggling to find its rhythm after a disappointing season from Tua Tagovailoa.
The Dolphins entered the game with low expectations, having seen Tagovailoa post the worst season of his career in 2024, with a record of 20 touchdowns to 15 interceptions and an overall rating of 88.5. Head coach Mike McDaniel was under pressure to deliver results and demonstrate his offensive acumen, especially after Miami’s lackluster performance in the previous season, where they finished with a 6-8 record.
Ewers began the game with moderate success, and the Dolphins stayed competitive in the first half, trailing only 17-14 at halftime. The defense showed promise, and Ewers executed enough plays to maintain hope among fans. However, the game swiftly unraveled in the third quarter, a pattern that has plagued the Dolphins throughout the season.
The Bengals capitalized on Miami’s defensive lapses, scoring 21 unanswered points. A critical moment came when tight end Greg Dulcich fumbled the ball after a promising catch, allowing Cincinnati to score a touchdown. Ewers also faced difficulties, throwing his first interception when a pass intended for receiver Theo Wease Jr. deflected off the player and into the hands of a Bengals defender.
As the fourth quarter progressed, the Dolphins could not regain their footing. The Bengals extended their lead, culminating in a final touchdown that left Ewers with disappointing stats: a completion percentage of 66.7%, 260 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. While there were brief flashes of potential from the rookie, the overall performance was a stark reminder of the team’s ongoing struggles.
Looking ahead, Miami will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next, followed by a crucial matchup against the New England Patriots. These upcoming games present Ewers and McDaniel with critical opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities to owner Stephen Ross and the fanbase. The hope is that they can turn around the dismal start and offer a more promising performance than what was witnessed against the Bengals.
As the Dolphins navigate this transitional phase, the development of Ewers will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The team’s ability to rebound will be essential not only for its playoff ambitions but also for restoring confidence in McDaniel’s leadership and the overall direction of the franchise.
