The Miami Dolphins are turning the page - and the quarterback room is where the story shifts most dramatically.
Just days after the team’s playoff hopes were officially dashed with a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins have made a bold move: Tua Tagovailoa is no longer the starting quarterback. In his place, rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers is stepping in to take the reins this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The decision, unsurprisingly, has sparked a wave of reaction across the league. One of the more pointed critiques came from former NFL star and future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt, who didn’t mince words when addressing what he saw from Tagovailoa after Monday night’s loss.
In a video posted to social media, Watt called out the optics of Tagovailoa’s postgame demeanor - specifically, the quarterback laughing and joking on the field with former teammate Jalen Ramsey, now a member of the Steelers. The moment was captured on camera and quickly made the rounds, stirring up plenty of conversation.
Watt’s take? It’s not about banning postgame pleasantries or policing friendships. But when you’re the face of the franchise - the highest-paid player in the building - there’s a certain level of accountability that comes with the job, especially in the wake of a season-ending loss.
“There’s at least a minimum responsibility on the optics,” Watt said. “I’m not saying don’t laugh or you can’t talk to a friend after a game, but when you’re cracking up, belly laughing on the field after you just lost a huge game like that - that’s a look that doesn’t go over well. Whether it’s with other players in the locker room, ownership, or the fan base, there’s a responsibility that comes with leadership.”
Watt’s point hits on a larger truth in the NFL: being a quarterback isn’t just about throwing touchdowns. It’s about presence.
Perception. Command.
And when the season ends in disappointment, the spotlight burns even hotter.
Now, the Dolphins are handing that spotlight to Quinn Ewers - a rookie who wasn’t expected to see the field this season, let alone start a game with real implications for the future of the franchise. But here he is, stepping into a pressure cooker with a chance to make a statement heading into 2026.
For Miami, this is more than just a quarterback switch. It’s a reset.
A signal that the organization is evaluating everything - from leadership to long-term viability under center. Ewers now gets his shot to show he belongs in the conversation moving forward.
As for Tagovailoa, his future in Miami suddenly feels uncertain. Whether this benching is temporary or the beginning of a larger transition remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: the Dolphins are looking for more than just stats from their quarterback. They’re looking for a tone-setter.
A leader who reflects the urgency and expectations of a franchise that believes it should be playing in January.
Sunday’s matchup against the Bengals may not have playoff implications, but it’s far from meaningless. For Quinn Ewers, it’s a chance to take his first real steps as a potential franchise QB. And for the Dolphins, it’s the beginning of what could be a very different chapter.