In a shocking turn during Week 7, Miami Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers late in the fourth quarter of their 31–6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The move instantly caught the attention of fans and analysts alike, fueling speculation about the future of Miami’s quarterback room amid a disappointing 1–6 start to the season.
Tua Tagovailoa’s rough performance against the Browns leads to in-game benching
Tagovailoa struggled throughout the game, throwing three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. The Dolphins offense looked out of sync, and head coach Mike McDaniel decided to pull Tagovailoa with just over eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. It was a rare mid-game benching for the former Pro Bowler, signaling the team’s frustration and desire to explore alternative options under center.
Quinn Ewers gets NFL debut after being promoted to second-string quarterback
Quinn Ewers, who had been elevated from third-string to second-string ahead of the matchup, took the field for his NFL debut. Fans and analysts were eager to see how the rookie would handle live-game action against a solid Browns defense. While Ewers’ appearance was brief, the moment marked a significant milestone in his career and highlighted the Dolphins’ willingness to shake up the depth chart in hopes of finding answers at quarterback.Social media exploded with reactions after the benching. Fans are debating whether this signals the end of Tagovailoa’s tenure as Miami’s starter. Analysts discussed the broader implications, noting that the Dolphins may need to make a tough decision if offensive struggles persist. The benching also shined a spotlight on Ewers, who suddenly became the subject of intense scrutiny and curiosity across NFL circles.
Why this benching could have major implications for Miami Dolphins’ season
With the team sitting at 1–6, every quarterback decision carries weight. If Ewers performs well in upcoming games, Miami could be facing a serious quarterback controversy. Historically, mid-game benchings of established starters often spark debates about leadership, confidence, and team direction and the Dolphins now find themselves squarely in that conversation.As Quinn Ewers makes his NFL debut and Tua Tagovailoa deals with a rocky start to the season, all eyes are on Miami. Fans will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see whether this benching is a one-off move or the start of a larger shake-up in the Dolphins’ quarterback room.Also read – Suni Lee sparks dating rumors with Justin Jefferson as she cheers for Vikings at today’s game