Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered a clear explanation for moving Tua Tagovailoa down the depth chart, framing the decision as protection rather than punishment.
McDaniel said asking a quarterback to absorb fewer practice reps and then perform immediately in games would invite failure, adding that the QB3 designation was “best for all parties.”
The move reflects a shift in direction as Miami balances immediate evaluation with longer-term planning.
That shift became more evident after rookie Quinn Ewers made his first NFL start in a 45-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Ewers, a seventh-round pick, completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards with two interceptions.
Despite the turnovers, McDaniel indicated the rookie’s performance did not cost Miami the game and emphasized that Ewers “earned the opportunity to continue to develop,” according to Marcel Louis-Jacques.
The quarterback reshuffle also arrives amid organizational uncertainty. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tagovailoa’s future could depend on the Dolphins’ upcoming general manager hire, noting that release remains the most likely outcome.
McDaniel, meanwhile, said his responsibility is to win games now, regardless of outside speculation about job security, and confirmed he did not consult owner Stephen Ross before making the change.
Dolphins quarterback evaluation enters defining phase
Tagovailoa’s 2025 numbers underline why Miami is reassessing its options. Over 13 games, he finished with 2,660 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and a league-high 15 interceptions on 260 completions from 384 attempts.
His efficiency declined as the season progressed. Since Week 10, he ranked 30th in QBR and 24th in passing yards. His completion rate dropped to 67.7 percent from 72.9 percent last season, and his passer rating fell to 88.5 after posting 101.4 in 2024.
The struggles intensified against quality competition. Miami is 2-9 versus teams with winning records in Tagovailoa’s past 25 starts.
In his final appearance against Pittsburgh, he threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, though both scores came late. Through three quarters, he managed 65 yards with an interception McDaniel described as a misread of the cornerback.
Ball security remains central to McDaniel’s system, which prioritizes timing and decisiveness. Holding the ball, forcing throws, and missed reads have clashed with that approach.
As Miami evaluates Ewers and awaits front-office changes, the quarterback room reflects a franchise searching for stability rather than clinging to past expectations.
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