Dolphins' Ewers struggles in first start, team falls 45-21 to Bengals

Quinn Ewers faced a challenging debut as the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback, culminating in a 45-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Why it matters: This game marks a pivotal moment for both Ewers and the Dolphins, reflecting ongoing struggles in their offensive strategy and raising questions about the team's future direction.

• Ewers stepped in for Tua Tagovailoa, who was sidelined due to injury, providing an opportunity for the rookie to showcase his potential in a high-pressure situation.
• The loss underscores the need for the Dolphins to address issues in their execution, particularly in critical moments like the third quarter.

What's new: Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards but struggled with turnovers, throwing two interceptions during the game.

• His first half performance included completing 10 of 12 passes for 109 yards, leading to two touchdown drives, which initially gave the Dolphins momentum.
• However, the team faltered significantly in the second half, being outscored 21-0 and turning the ball over three times.

Yes, but: Ewers’ experience, while disappointing in the context of the scoreline, was not without its positives.

• Head coach Mike McDaniel praised Ewers for "earning" the opportunity to start and noted how he handled the pressure of the position, suggesting that there is belief in his development.
• Ewers himself acknowledged the importance of learning from mistakes, stating, "It's hard to win ball games whenever you have three turnovers."

The big picture: This game highlights both the potential and the growing pains of a young Dolphins team navigating through injuries and roster changes.

• With Tagovailoa serving as the emergency third quarterback, the Dolphins must evaluate their depth at quarterback moving forward.
• Ewers’ ability to bounce back and improve will be crucial for the team's success as they look ahead to upcoming games.

What’s next: The Dolphins will need to regroup and refine their offensive strategies before their next matchup.

• With Ewers at the helm, adjustments in play-calling may be necessary to better utilize his strengths and mitigate turnover risk.
• As Ewers prepares for another start, the focus will be on his decision-making and the ability to maintain composure under pressure.

The bottom line: While Ewers first NFL start did not yield the desired outcome, it provided valuable experience and insight into both his capabilities and the challenges facing the Dolphins this season.

• The rookie's resilience and willingness to learn will play a key role in shaping his career and the team's trajectory moving forward.