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Putrid Quinn Ewers performance gives Dolphins reason to be concerned
Miami Dolphins quarterback Quinn Ewers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Putrid Quinn Ewers performance gives Dolphins reason to be concerned about their QB situation

Miami Dolphins backup quarterbacks fell flat in their 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders, and it should be a very concerning sign for the team going into the regular season. 

The most concerning development was the performance from No. 2 quarterback Quinn Ewers, as he went just 1-of-8 for 27 yards, while also throwing a rancid interception that did not have a wide receiver anywhere in the area. 

Third-string quarterback Cam Miller was not much better, going just 3-of-11 with two additional interceptions. 

Dolphins' QB depth chart is major concern

The Dolphins completely overhauled their offense this offseason as part of a massive rebuild, and that includes the addition of new starting quarterback Malik Willis.

Willis made his Dolphins debut on Friday and looked solid, completing four of five passes for 43 yards. He's unproven as a full-time starter, but has flashed big-play ability in spot starts over the years, and the Dolphins are hoping he can find consistency and become somebody they can build their offense around.

But there are a lot of variables and "what ifs" in that situation, and if things go south, or if Willis were to get hurt, the backup quarterback situation offers absolutely zero safety nets. 

Ewers entered camp as the No. 2 quarterback on the roster, and he did little in his limited playing time at the end of the 2025 season to show he can be a viable NFL quarterback. Early reports out of training camp are not really changing that narrative, and neither did his preseason debut on Friday.

You can't read too much into preseason results, and that is especially true with the first game. They do not always paint a strong picture of what a player is capable of due to the circumstances going on around them. Teams are not running their normal offenses or defenses, the quality of the competition and teammates is not always the best, and everybody is just trying  to get into game shape and try new things.

But it is fair to be concerned when you are talking about largely unproven players with no track records, and players who were already question marks.

There are a lot of bad quarterback situations across the NFL right now, and Miami's is a sneaky-concerning one that isn't getting a ton of attention. Not necessarily because of Willis, but because of what might happen if he has to miss a game or two or simply is not as good as Miami hopes he is. 

Sometimes a good backup quarterback can be a wildly valuable asset to have. Miami cannot be feeling good about its situation after watching Ewers and Miller go a combined 4-of-19 with three interceptions. They not only need Willis to be good; they need him to stay on the field. 

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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