Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel makes his feelings known on starting Quinn Ewers after Tua Tagovailoa’s recent slump

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has revealed his position on potentially replacing Tua Tagovailoa with Quinn Ewers as the team’s starting quarterback. There have been speculations and questions surrounding Tagovailoa’s role amidst the team’s recent struggles in offense.

McDaniel addressed the questions on Wednesday ahead of the Dolphins’ Sunday encounter with the Atlanta Falcons. He said:

“I’m looking to avoid a back and forth and would like to solidify that. But I think competition raises everyone… They will compete, and hopefully it will remain, but I’m not opposed to doing anything that’ll help us beat an opponent.”

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However, the coach also reiterated his faith in Tagovailoa, saying:

“I think there’s zero uncertainty in Tua in my belief in him. I think we’re both eager to do better at our jobs, and we’re both trusting in each other to respond to do what’s necessary for the team to do better.”

The Dolphins were destroyed last Sunday by an equally struggling Cleveland Browns side, with McDaniel’s team failing to score a touchdown the entire game. Tagovailoa went 12-of-23 for 100 yards and three interceptions in a very poor performance.

It didn’t help that the quarterback had called out his teammates in a post-game rant the previous week, an action he later apologized for. Nevertheless, McDaniel is showing an enormous amount of faith in Tua Tagovailoa, confirming him as the starter for Week 8’s clash with the Falcons. The coach said on Monday:

“He is going to take the snaps this week, and he is going to be a starter this week, and my expectation is that we don’t throw 10 picks.”

Who is Dolphins’ potential replacement for Tua Tagovailoa?

While he is not the team’s official No. 2 quarterback, Mike McDaniel brought in Quinn Ewers as Tua Tagovailoa’s substitute in last Sunday’s loss. This has led to questions about what the future holds for Tagovailoa and his backup, Zach Wilson.

McDaniel is yet to finalize his decision on that, however, saying after the loss to the Browns that:

“I’m hoping it’s not a week-to-week thing. It will be competitive this week, and at the end of the week, I’ll let you guys know who the backup is, and in the hopes that somebody grabs and takes it.”

Ewers completed 5 of 8 throws for 53 yards against the Browns and will be looking to earn more minutes as the campaign goes on.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi