Dolphins defeat Bucs 20-17; Ewers earns first win, Wease scores first TD

The Miami Dolphins secured a crucial 20-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who notched his first regular-season win.

Why it matters: This win is pivotal for the Dolphins as they improve to 7-9 on the season, snapping a two-game losing streak and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

Ewers showcased potential during the game, demonstrating why he was trusted as the starting quarterback in just his second NFL start.

• He recorded 144 passing yards in the first half, marking the highest total for any Dolphins quarterback this season.
• Completing 14 of 22 passes for a total of 172 yards and two touchdowns, both thrown in the first half, Ewers' performance signals a bright future for the franchise.

What’s new: Among Ewers notable achievements was a 63-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Theo Wease Jr., which stands as Miami's longest offensive play of the 2025 season.

This touchdown highlighted the growing chemistry between Ewers and Wease, both of whom celebrated their first career touchdowns.

• Wease's contribution adds depth to a receiving corps that has been looking for consistent big plays.
• The dynamic duo's success is crucial as the Dolphins prepare for their regular-season finale against the New England Patriots.

Yes, but: Despite the strong first-half showing, the Dolphins' offense struggled in the second half, managing only 72 yards.

This raises questions about their ability to maintain momentum against tougher defenses moving forward.

• Defensive adjustments from the Buccaneers may have stifled the Dolphins' attack, pointing to areas that require improvement before facing the Patriots.

What to watch: As Ewers prepares for his next challenge, all eyes will be on how he builds on this performance in a high-stakes matchup against New England.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel praised Ewers, suggesting confidence in his abilities.

• "I think Quinn played a very good game with what we asked him to do," McDaniel stated, indicating that the coaching staff is committed to developing their young quarterback.

The bottom line: With this victory, the Dolphins not only uplift their playoff aspirations but also lay a foundation for growth around Ewers and an emerging core of talent.

As the team looks forward to the upcoming finale, the experience gained from this game could prove invaluable for their young roster.