Tua Tagovailoa has been benched after the Miami Dolphins’ 28-15 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers has been named the starting quarterback of the team in Week 16, with Zach Wilson serving as the backup.
During Wednesday’s press conference, coach Mike McDaniel shared his thoughts on relegating Tua Tagovailoa to third-string duties. He highlighted how it was a “tough conversation” with the veteran quarterback, but still praised him for his leadership skills.
“It was, you know, a tough conversation,” McDaniel said. “But also, he exhibit what makes him a captain and a leader on this team as he understood what that means for his contribution to the team and how he’s gonna help, you know, Quinn prepare for his first start.
“So, you know, I think he displayed leadership skill by understanding. But as a competitor, you know, its tough.”
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Tua Tagovailoa has been struggling with consistency problems this season. Against the Steelers, he completed 22 of 28 passes for 253 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. This season, the veteran quarterback tallied 2,660 yards and 20 TDs passing while leading the league in interceptions (15).
The Dolphins drafted Quinn Ewers with the 231st overall pick in this year’s draft. On Wednesday, he shared his excitement about being named the QB1 of the team.
“It’s a dream come true,” Ewers said. “I’ve always wanted the opportunity to play in the NFL and for that to be coming is truly a blessing- and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
Tua Tagovailoa shares his honest thoughts on being replaced by Quinn Ewers as the Dolphins QB1
The $212.4 million quarterback was disappointed with Mike McDaniel’s decision to demote him to third-string quarterback duties.
On Wednesday, Tagovailoa said that it was “normal” to be upset with the decision. But at the same time, he will fulfill his responsibility to prepare Quinn Ewers for his debut as the starting quarterback.
“Naturally, I would say I’m disappointed,” Tagovailoa said. “I think it’s normal, a normal human emotion. But outside of that, I’ve got to do my part, and my role here right now is to help whoever the quarterback is going to be. … I’m not happy about it, but it’s something out of my control.”
The Dolphins next face the Bengals on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. They are currently third in the AFC East behind the Bills and the Patriots with a 6-8 record.