The Miami Dolphins have some serious questions at the quarterback position after Tua Tagovailoa threw two interceptions in Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. While head coach Mike McDaniel is sticking with Tagovailoa as the starter for now, there has also been uncertainty at the position’s backup spot on the depth chart.
Zach Wilson had served as Tagovailoa’s backup until Sunday, when rookie Quinn Ewers replaced him. McDaniel said that the move was matchup-driven after the game, according to Pro Football Talk.
“I make a very calculated intentional effort to observe each player every week,” McDaniel said. “I think again last week based upon the game plan, the situation and Quinn more than anything, it kind of created an opportunity where I thought with conviction and I think the coaching staff agreed that Quinn in this particular game gave us the best shot if he had to come in.”
However, McDaniel also made it clear that there is some healthy competition for the role, and that if Ewers impresses in practice, he could ascend to the role in a full-time capacity.
“Moving forward, I’m hoping it’s not a week-to-week thing,” the head coach said. “It will be competitive this week and at the end of the week, I’ll let you guys know who the backup is in the hopes that somebody grabs and takes. I think you have to be willing to do whatever it takes that’s the best thing for your team.
“I was very proud of Zach understanding that this was not a wholesale change, this was for this game and all things are on the table moving forward in their competition. We’ll settle that on the field and move on from there.”
It’ll be interesting to see what McDaniel settles on for the depth chart long-term.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.