Ewers Shines in Dolphins’ 24-17 Preseason Victory Over Lions

The Miami Dolphins secured a 24-17 victory against the Detroit Lions on August 12, 2023, showcasing a significant improvement for rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers. In a performance that stood in stark contrast to his earlier outing, Ewers threw two touchdown passes to undrafted free agent Theo Wease Jr., leading the Dolphins to a crucial preseason win.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the importance of the game but maintained a measured approach to evaluating preseason results. Ewers, who had struggled in Miami’s previous game, completed 11 of 17 passes for 116 yards against the Lions. He demonstrated his growth by leading a 17-play scoring drive that helped seal the win with just under two minutes remaining.

McDaniel noted, “I thought there were some really good things he did, some things he could do better.” He highlighted the learning process for quarterbacks, stating that they must take advantage of every opportunity to improve. Ewers recognized the difference in his performance, saying, “As a whole, I think we were just overall more comfortable… Game 1, we kind of got our jitters out.”

Despite a shaky start, Ewers’ ability to adapt was evident. In his debut against the Chicago Bears, he completed only 5 of 18 passes for 91 yards, resulting in a 24-24 tie. His improvement against Detroit was clear, as he led the offense to points on three of five drives throughout the game.

The Dolphins also saw veteran quarterback Zach Wilson start on Saturday, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown in the first half. When discussing the backup quarterback competition, McDaniel underscored that this game would not solely define the team’s hierarchy. “I’m definitely not going to overreact to results,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of the process and ongoing development.

Most of the Dolphins’ starters, including Tua Tagovailoa, did not play against the Lions, leaving room for evaluation among the backups. McDaniel did not clarify whether starters would participate in the upcoming preseason finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars, scheduled for August 19, 2023.

As the Dolphins continue their preseason journey, the focus remains on refining skills and preparing for the regular season. The performances of both Ewers and Wilson will play a critical role in shaping the team’s quarterback dynamics as they move forward.