Dolphins' Quinn Ewers opens up about 'dream come true' after Tua Tagovailoa benching

Even before Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed on Wednesday that he had benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, some suggested that either rookie Quinn Ewers or 2021 first-round draft pick Zach Wilson could start when the 6-8 Dolphins host the 4-10 Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. 

Ewers was ultimately named Miami's QB1 for the Week 16 matchup. On Wednesday, he addressed receiving the first start of his career. 

Quinn Ewers "thankful" for opportunity after Tua Tagovailoa benching

"It’s a dream come true for me," Ewers said, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "I’ve always wanted to have the opportunity to play in the NFL, and for that to be coming is truly a blessing. I’m thankful for the opportunity."

Ewers made his regular-season debut after Tagovailoa tossed three interceptions in Miami's Week 7 loss to the Cleveland Browns. In total, Ewers completed five of eight passes for 53 yards in that relief appearance. 

McDaniel's decision was somewhat controversial, as Wilson had been Tagovailoa's primary backup through the majority of the season. Wilson will now be Miami's QB2 for the game against Cincinnati, but he hinted on Wednesday that he could see playing time if Ewers struggles. 

Quinn Ewers knows how Tua Tagovailoa may be feeling

While featuring for the Texas Longhorns in the fall of 2024, Ewers was benched in favor of Arch Manning. On Wednesday, Ewers touched upon how that experience allows him to have a bit of an understanding regarding what Tagovailoa is going through this week. 

"In Tua’s shoes, it’s tough," Ewers added. "I was benched in the middle of a game last year, so I know how he feels, and it’s a bad feeling. He’s been really helpful in a tough situation, and I know a frustrating situation that he’s in."

Tagovailoa has been relegated to QB3 duties and may never take another in-game snap for the Dolphins. As for Ewers, it seems that his promotion is the start of Miami's search for a long-term answer at the position. 

The Dolphins and general manager Chris Grier "mutually" agreed to part ways on Oct. 31, and it's unclear if McDaniel will remain in his role this winter. Whether or not Ewers can do enough through Week 18 to impress what may be a new Dolphins regime shall be seen.