Miami Dolphins Face Quarterback Dilemma as Tua Tagovailoa Struggles

Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles as the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins have reached a critical point. After throwing three interceptions in a recent game against the Cleveland Browns, Tagovailoa was benched, marking his second consecutive game with three interceptions. This performance has contributed to a troubling total of ten interceptions this season for a player who signed a substantial contract worth $212 million, with $167 million fully guaranteed.

As the Dolphins’ season stands at a disappointing 1-6, the organization faces pressing questions about its future direction. With a new head coach and general manager expected to arrive after the season concludes, the need for a strategic pivot becomes increasingly evident. Fans have begun to lose faith in Tagovailoa, leading to discussions about the team’s quarterback situation beyond this year.

Time for a Change at Quarterback

With the Dolphins’ current trajectory, there is a growing consensus that it may be time to explore other options at quarterback. The focus has shifted to rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, a seventh-round pick from Texas, who has shown promise during the preseason. Although his performance was not as stellar as expected, with many factors contributing to that outcome, he possesses the arm talent and potential necessary for an NFL quarterback.

The ideal scenario for Miami could involve starting Ewers in their game against the New Orleans Saints on November 30, 2023. This opportunity would allow him to take all the practice reps leading up to the game without the pressure of looking over his shoulder. Such a move would not only give the coaching staff a clearer picture of Ewers’ capabilities but also provide valuable experience as the organization prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft.

As the Dolphins likely anticipate holding a top-three pick in that draft, the urgency to evaluate Ewers becomes paramount. If Ewers is deemed a viable candidate for the future, Miami could focus on bolstering other positions, such as offensive tackle or cornerback, rather than investing heavily in another quarterback.

Assessing the Future of the Franchise

The current situation mirrors the approach taken by other franchises, such as the Cleveland Browns, who recently traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to give younger talent opportunities to prove themselves. By assessing Ewers’ performance in the remaining games, the Dolphins can make informed decisions moving forward.

The optics of benching a quarterback with a significant contract like Tagovailoa may raise eyebrows; however, the reality is that he has not lived up to expectations. There is a clear regression in his play, and the team’s focus should shift to finding a quarterback capable of leading them to success. Miami must embrace the reality that they currently belong to the group of teams without a reliable quarterback.

This evaluation period for Ewers could ultimately determine the future direction of the Dolphins. If he emerges as a capable quarterback, the franchise can invest its resources elsewhere in the upcoming draft. Conversely, if Ewers does not meet expectations, Miami will need to intensify its search for the next franchise quarterback, potentially focusing on names like LaNorris Sellers, Fernando Mendoza, and Dante Moore in 2026.

As the Dolphins navigate this uncertain period, the emphasis should be on gathering data and assessing talent. The decision to pivot toward Ewers is not just about the remainder of this season; it’s about setting the foundation for a successful future. The Miami Dolphins must take this opportunity to evaluate their roster and determine the next steps in their pursuit of a championship-caliber team.