Dolphins McDaniel Unveils Bold QB Switch: Ewers Over Tua Tagovailoa

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Dolphins’ McDaniel discusses move to Ewers, Tagovailoa’s move to No. 3 - Miami Herald

Dolphins’ McDaniel Opens Up on Bold QB Switch

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel recently addressed the team's seismic quarterback shift, moving from star Tua Tagovailoa to promising Quinn Ewers. In a candid Miami Herald interview, McDaniel highlighted the strategic decision aimed at injecting fresh energy into the offense amid a challenging season. Tagovailoa, now slotted at No. 3 on the depth chart, steps back after injuries and inconsistencies plagued his performance.

Reasons Behind the Move to Ewers

Ewers, the former Texas Longhorns standout, brings dynamic arm talent and mobility that McDaniel believes fits Miami's high-speed scheme perfectly. The coach praised Ewers' poise under pressure, drawing parallels to past successful transitions in Dolphins history. This change prioritizes long-term stability, with McDaniel confident Ewers can elevate the passing game alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Implications for Tagovailoa and the Team

For Tagovailoa, the demotion to third-string signals a potential trade or mentorship role, sparking fan debates on his future. McDaniel emphasized support for Tua's recovery while eyeing playoffs. This pivot could redefine Miami's trajectory, blending youth with experience for a competitive edge in the AFC East.

About the People Mentioned

Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the NFL, born on March 2, 1998, in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Standing at 6'1" and weighing around 225-227 pounds, he rose to prominence at the University of Alabama, where he began as a backup freshman in 2017 before becoming a starter.[1][2][4] His college career peaked dramatically in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship against Georgia, when he entered in the second half and threw for 166 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, including a game-winning 41-yard touchdown pass on the final play to secure Alabama's national title and earn Offensive MVP honors.[1][3] As a sophomore in 2019, he earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year accolades from the Associated Press and coaches, made the All-SEC first team, and set program records like 444 passing yards and five touchdowns in a single game against South Carolina.[1] He finished as a finalist for the Davey O’Brien Award.[1] Selected fifth overall by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Tagovailoa has started 51 games with a career passer rating of 97.2, 12,472 passing yards, 81 touchdowns, and 37 interceptions.[2][3] Known for his accuracy, poise, and dual-threat ability, he has formed dynamic connections with receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, highlighted by long touchdown passes such as a 78-yard score to Hill.[5] As of early 2026, the 27-year-old remains active with Miami, though the team sits at 6-9 amid struggles, prompting discussions of benching and his fit with coach Mike McDaniel.[2][4] Recent reports note ongoing contract negotiations and his weight loss for improved mobility, dubbed "Skinny Tua," while he has participated in Pro Bowl events showcasing precision passing.[4] Tagovailoa's journey embodies resilience, from Hawaiian roots to NFL leadership.[3][6]

Jaylen Waddle

Jaylen Waddle is a professional American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins in the NFL. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, he attended Episcopal High School in Bellaire, where he displayed exceptional athleticism and versatility on the field.[4][6] Waddle then starred at the University of Alabama, earning recognition as a standout return specialist with a career 19.3 yards per punt return average, the highest among Crimson Tide returners.[1] During his college tenure, he posted multiple 100-yard receiving games, including 161 yards and a touchdown against Georgia, and earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a 128-yard punt return performance versus Texas A&M.[1] Selected sixth overall by the Dolphins in the 2021 NFL Draft, Waddle quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker alongside quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In his rookie season, he recorded 1,015 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over 16 games.[2][3] His career stats through the 2025 season include consistent production across five years with Miami, highlighted by explosive plays such as a 90-yard touchdown at Alabama and NFL highlights like a 142-yard receiving game and clutch fourth-down conversions.[1][3][4] Notable achievements encompass Pro Bowl selections and his role in high-speed offenses, often syncing with teammate Tyreek Hill.[4][5] At age 27, standing 5-10 and 185 pounds, Waddle remains a key asset for the Dolphins, thriving in recent seasons even amid injuries to peers like Hill.[4][5] As of late 2025, Miami retained him at the trade deadline amid rumors, underscoring his value; news emphasized his impact in games, with no trades materialized.[5] His speed, hands (9 1/4 inches), and return skills continue to make him a pivotal offensive and special teams contributor.[3][4]

About the Organizations Mentioned

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in Miami, Florida, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. Founded in 1966 as an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL), the Dolphins joined the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970[1][2][5]. The organization is renowned for its remarkable history and key achievements. Most notably, the Dolphins are the only NFL team to complete a perfect season, going undefeated through the entire 1972 regular season and playoffs, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl VII. This remarkable feat was led by Hall of Fame coach Don Shula and a roster featuring legendary players such as quarterback Bob Griese, running back Larry Csonka, and linebacker Nick Buoniconti. The Dolphins won two Super Bowls (VII and VIII) and made three consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1970s, a pioneering achievement in NFL history[1][2][4][5]. Beyond the 1970s, the Dolphins maintained competitive status with five AFC championships and thirteen AFC East division titles. The team is also famous for quarterback Dan Marino, one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, who led the Dolphins to numerous playoff appearances and a Super Bowl XIX appearance during the 1980s and 1990s[2][3]. Currently, the Dolphins play at Hard Rock Stadium, a modern venue reflecting the franchise’s business growth and fan engagement. The team is valued at approximately $5.7 billion as of 2023, ranking among the NFL’s most valuable franchises[3]. Under recent leadership, including coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have experienced a resurgence, returning to playoff contention and setting new team records in 2023[3]. Notable aspects of the organization include its iconic aqua and orange colors, a strong fan base, and a legacy of innovation in tea

Texas Longhorns

The **Texas Longhorns** are the collegiate athletic teams representing the University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution known for its extensive and successful sports programs. The Longhorns brand is deeply tied to Texas heritage, named after the iconic Longhorn cattle, which symbolize the state's history and culture. Their mascot, Bevo, is a Texas Longhorn steer, embodying the spirit and pride of the university’s athletic tradition[2][3]. Founded in the early 20th century, the Longhorns have grown into one of the most recognizable and influential college sports brands in the nation. The nickname "Longhorn" appeared in newspapers as early as 1900, and the university officially adopted burnt orange and white as its colors by 1900, with burnt orange solidified as the signature shade in the 1960s[2][3]. The university's athletic department is notable for being self-sustaining financially, operating without subsidies from the state or university, relying on revenue from ticket sales, fundraising, sponsorships, and licensing[1][2]. The Texas Longhorns compete in a wide array of varsity sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and many others, with a commitment to excellence in both athletic and academic integrity. Texas was recognized as "America's Best Sports College" by *Sports Illustrated* in 2002 and has been a leading collegiate licensing client, generating significant revenue from fan merchandise[2]. The football team, a centerpiece of the program, competes at the NCAA Division I FBS level and is a member of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) as of recent years, aiming high in national competitions[4][7]. Beyond varsity sports, the university supports numerous club sports and student organizations, offering a rich environment for leadership and community engagement[5][6]. Texas Athletics emphasizes a culture of integrity, respect, and tradition, fostering an engaged and motivated environment for athletes and fans alike[1][3]. Toda

Miami Herald

The Miami Herald is a major daily newspaper serving South Florida with a strong focus on local, national and Latin American news, plus business and technology coverage tailored to the region’s global trade and innovation ties. The Herald publishes both English and (through its longstanding sister title) Spanish-language journalism and operates a digital news site and related multimedia products to reach regional and international audiences. [3][4] Founded in the early 20th century (the publication traces its roots to the Miami Evening/Morning Record and adopted the name The Miami Herald in 1910), the paper grew alongside Miami’s rapid expansion and became the city’s dominant newsroom by the 1920s and 1930s. [2][3] John S. Knight purchased the Herald in 1937, later forming part of the Knight Ridder chain; in 2006 the paper’s ownership passed to The McClatchy Company as Knight Ridder was sold. [1][3] The Herald is noted for investigative reporting and international coverage of the Caribbean and Latin America; its staff has won numerous honors, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes (NewsBank records 20 Pulitzers across its history). [4] Its Spanish-language arm, El Nuevo Herald, began as an insert and evolved into an independent publication that expanded the paper’s reach into Miami’s large Hispanic and immigrant communities. [1][4] On digital innovation, the Herald was an early newspaper adopter of the web (launching an online presence in 1996) and learned lessons in product and audience strategy that shaped its local digital offerings and classifieds/monetization experiments. [5] Like many legacy papers, it underwent restructuring and newsroom changes in response to industry economics, including staff reductions and business model shifts after the Knight Ridder sale. [3] Notable aspects for business and technology readers: the Herald’s sustained international reporting on trade and geopolitics in

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