Dolphins Edge Lions 24-17, but Rookie Quinn Ewers Sparks QB2 Debate with Zach Wilson
The Miami Dolphins walked away from their preseason clash against the Detroit Lions with a 24-17 victory, but the final score was hardly the biggest talking point of the night. Instead, all eyes were on rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who delivered a performance that not only showcased his raw talent but also added fuel to an already smoldering conversation within Miami’s quarterback room.
Ewers, the highly touted rookie out of Texas, was thrust into extended action and wasted no time demonstrating why the Dolphins invested in him. His command of the offense, precision in tight throwing windows, and ability to remain composed during long drives stood out in a way that few expected this early in his professional career. On one particular possession, Ewers orchestrated a jaw-dropping 17-play scoring march, showcasing maturity, patience, and poise well beyond his years. For a rookie still learning the speed of the NFL, it was a performance that felt more like a veteran carving up defenses than a newcomer trying to prove he belongs.
The rookie’s highlights didn’t stop there. Two separate touchdown drives put a spotlight on his arm strength and vision, including a strike squeezed perfectly between defenders and a red-zone dart that electrified both teammates and fans alike. His ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver on third downs reinforced the notion that Miami may have unearthed something special.
But while Ewers was drawing headlines, another quarterback was quietly fighting to keep his spot secure. Zach Wilson, the former New York Jets starter and now veteran backup in Miami, had his own opportunities during the contest. At times, he showed flashes of the playmaking ability that once made him a top draft pick. Quick releases, athletic mobility, and moments of sharp execution gave glimpses of what he can still offer.
Unfortunately for Wilson, those bright moments were overshadowed by costly mistakes. Several misfires—including missed touchdown opportunities—stood out as the glaring difference between him and the rookie. While Ewers capitalized on his drives, Wilson struggled to finish, leaving points on the board and making it hard to ignore the widening contrast between the two signal-callers.
Naturally, with such performances on display, conversations about the Dolphins’ depth chart have intensified. Fans, analysts, and social media voices wasted no time debating: should Miami stick with Wilson as QB2, or is it time to hand the reins to Ewers as the clear backup behind starter Tua Tagovailoa?
Head coach Mike McDaniel, however, refused to be drawn into the quarterback controversy—at least not yet. After the game, McDaniel was quick to downplay any notion of overreaction.
“I’m definitely not going to overreact to results,” McDaniel told reporters. “Both of those guys have done a great job. It’s about the process, not just one game.”
The message was clear: one preseason performance, however promising, won’t dictate roster decisions. McDaniel emphasized that player development, consistency, and long-term fit matter more than a single night under the lights. Still, even his tempered response couldn’t completely quiet the buzz surrounding Ewers.
For now, Wilson retains the official QB2 designation behind Tagovailoa, but the rookie’s rapid rise makes it impossible to ignore the looming question of how long that will last. Miami drafted Ewers for a reason, and he is quickly proving the organization’s faith was not misplaced.
Beyond the statistics and box score, the larger narrative is about the shifting dynamics within Miami’s quarterback room. Tagovailoa is firmly entrenched as QB1, but the competition behind him carries real weight. With Tua’s injury history always a concern, the Dolphins need a reliable second option—one who can step in seamlessly and keep the offense afloat if called upon. That role, once assumed to belong securely to Wilson, suddenly looks like it could be Ewers’ for the taking.
Ewers’ rise also speaks volumes about the Dolphins’ approach to team building. By drafting and developing young talent at quarterback, Miami is positioning itself for both immediate depth and future security. If Tagovailoa remains healthy and productive, the Dolphins have the luxury of grooming Ewers patiently. If not, they may already have a capable replacement waiting in the wings.
Meanwhile, Wilson faces an uphill battle. Once seen as a potential franchise cornerstone with the Jets, he has endured a rocky NFL journey filled with inconsistent play, turnovers, and questions about confidence. Joining the Dolphins offered a fresh start, but with Ewers breathing down his neck, the margin for error has narrowed dramatically.
Preseason debates like this are nothing new, but the Dolphins’ situation feels particularly pressing. Fans are split, analysts are debating on sports talk shows, and every snap Ewers takes only adds more intrigue to the storyline. Wilson may have the experience, but Ewers has the momentum—and momentum can be hard to stop in the NFL.
The larger takeaway is that Miami finds itself in an enviable position compared to many teams: they have multiple quarterbacks capable of producing, rather than scrambling to find just one. Whether McDaniel eventually shifts the depth chart or sticks with the status quo, the Dolphins benefit from having genuine competition pushing both players to perform at their best.
For now, the official word remains unchanged: Zach Wilson is QB2, Quinn Ewers is the rookie gaining ground, and Tua Tagovailoa is the unquestioned starter. But in football, roles can change overnight. One more performance like the one Ewers delivered against the Lions, and McDaniel may find it increasingly difficult to brush aside the conversation.
The preseason may be about building rosters, testing depth, and working out kinks, but every so often, it also introduces a storyline that refuses to fade. In Miami, that storyline is now unmistakable: Who should truly be QB2 for the Dolphins—Wilson or Ewers?
The coming weeks of training camp and preseason action will provide more answers, but for fans and observers, the debate is already alive and thriving. The Dolphins’ 24-17 win may go down as just another preseason result, but the night itself could prove to be the beginning of a much larger quarterback conversation in Miami—one that could shape the team’s season, and perhaps even its future.
