One of the most striking news items in the NFL in recent hours was Mike McDaniel’s decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa for the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The rookie Quinn Ewers will take the reins of the Miami Dolphins in Week 16, McDaniel confirmed on Wednesday.
The South Florida franchise’s depth chart now lists the experienced Zach Wilson as the primary backup, while Tua will move into the third spot. “It’s the best for all parties involving,” McDaniel said, via Barry Jackson.
The decision to bench Tagovailoa was not an easy one. The former Alabama player signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension in 2024, with $167.1 million guaranteed. However, his recent performances forced the head coach to make a course correction to steer the season back on track.
The news about McDaniel’s decision not only sparks a debate about how long Tagovailoa was kept in his position throughout the season despite his performance, but also casts doubts on what will happen with him in the future.
Quinn Ewers #14 of the Miami Dolphins.
A tough season for Tua
Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins have endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, as the quarterback’s performance has significantly regressed compared to previous years. ‘
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Throughout the season, Tagovailoa managed to record 2,660 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, but his impact was severely undermined by a career-high 15 interceptions. This lack of consistency is further reflected in a lackluster 36.7 QBR, placing him among the lower-ranked starters in the league.
Ultimately, these efficiency issues contributed to a struggling offense that saw Miami officially eliminated from playoff contention after failing to find a rhythm in the final stretch of the year.
