The Miami Dolphins beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17, as they improved to 7-9. The win marked their first against their Florida rivals since 2009. Rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers earned his first career win as he went 14-for-22 for 172 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Regarding Ewers’ performance, head coach Mike McDaniel said “You have an idea that the game isn’t too big for someone based on your history with them … It’s awesome in this profession when you believe in people and they take advantage of the opportunity.” Prior to the game, McDaniel said that Ewers gave the Dolphins the best chance to win. Now, after the Buccaneers game, Ewers and McDaniel have notched their first win together.
Aside from the positive play from the Dolphins’ quarterback, the Miami defense was instrumental in the victory. They limited the Tampa Bay rushing attack to only 3.3 yards per carry while allowing just 17 total points. Miami’s defense also generated three takeaways, including a crucial fourth quarter strip sack by Bradley Chubb. The Dolphins’ veteran pass rusher now has 8.5 sacks on the season, which leads the team.
Dolphins Player Facing Punishment
With 6:13 left in the second quarter, rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. made a great play on the ball as he registered his first career interception. Following the interception, Marshall returned the ball for 25 yards; however, an illegal blindside block resulted in a 15-yard penalty that negated the run.
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Cornerback Jack Jones was the player charged with the illegal blindside block. Unfortunately for Jones, aside from the 15 yards, the penalty also carries a fine. For example, in Week 15 Kansas City wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster was charged with a blindside block and it resulted in a $7,903 fine.
Jones has been one of Miami’s most consistent players on defense as he’s started all 16 games for the Dolphins this season. His lone interception proved pivotal as it resulted in Miami defeating the Commanders 16-13 in Madrid. Jack Jones finished the game against the Buccaneers with six tackles, including a tackle for loss.
The Dolphins cornerback is set to be a free agent after the season. He previously had high praise for head coach Mike McDaniel as he called him a “genius” on social media.
Ramifications for the Dolphins
The Dolphins entered the game holding the 11th overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. Following the win against Tampa Bay, the team dropped to 12th. A loss would have meant the Dolphins entering the top ten of the draft as they would have been tied with three other teams at 6-10.
Head coach Mike McDaniel likely won’t care about the team’s draft position right now, as his future is still undecided according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Earlier this year, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that McDaniel had a chance to “save his job” with a strong finish to the season. Despite making a quarterback change, the Dolphins have gone 6-3 since their 1-6 start.
Dolphins Player Facing Punishment For Actions During Buccaneers Win