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Quinn Ewers, Gunslinger? Former Longhorn Set for First NFL Start with Dolphins Sunday

Introduction

In a stunning development for the Miami Dolphins and the broader NFL landscape, head coach Mike McDaniel has announced a significant shift at the quarterback position. Quinn Ewers, the former Texas Longhorns standout and rookie signal-caller, is slated to make his first career NFL start this Sunday. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the 2025 season, moving Ewers from the bottom of the depth chart to the starting role in a matter of weeks. The move demotes incumbent starter Tua Tagovailoa to an emergency role and shifts Zach Wilson to the backup position. As fans prepare for this debut, the central question emerges: Can the “gunslinger” mentality that defined Ewers’ college career translate to the professional stage against NFL-caliber defenses?

This article explores the trajectory of this quarterback controversy, analyzes Ewers’ playing style, and provides a comprehensive guide on what to expect from the Miami Dolphins’ offense this Sunday.

Key Points

Background

The Journey to the NFL

Quinn Ewers’ path to this starting assignment has been unconventional. Originally a highly-touted recruit who reclassified to join Ohio State, Ewers later transferred to the University of Texas to revitalize the Longhorns program. At Texas, he established himself as a top-tier passer with elite arm talent, leading the team to the College Football Playoff. Despite his collegiate success, questions regarding consistency and decision-making lingered into the draft process.

Selected by the Miami Dolphins, Ewers entered a complex quarterback room. Tua Tagovailoa was the established starter, having led the league in passing yards in previous seasons, while Zach Wilson provided veteran insurance. For the majority of the 2025 season, Ewers held the title of QB3—a developmental project absorbing the playbook and preparing for the future. However, the fluid nature of NFL rosters means preparation can turn into opportunity overnight.

The Announcement

On Wednesday, Coach Mike McDaniel addressed the media, confirming the shift in strategy. “We are going with Quinn Ewers,” McDaniel stated, effectively closing the door on Tagovailoa’s immediate availability and signaling a new chapter for the offense. This announcement transforms Ewers from a sideline observer to the central figure of the Dolphins’ game plan.

Analysis

Decoding the “Gunslinger” Label

To understand what to expect Sunday, one must analyze the term “gunslinger.” In football parlance, a gunslinger is a quarterback who trusts their arm above all else. They are willing to attempt tight-window throws, challenge defenses deep downfield, and play with a high-risk, high-reward style.

Ewers possesses the physical tools of a classic gunslinger. His release is compact, and he generates exceptional velocity, allowing the ball to cut through wind and tight coverage. Unlike the precision-based, rhythm passing of a traditional West Coast offense, the gunslinger thrives on improvisation and arm strength. For the Dolphins, this could mean a shift away from the precise timing routes that Tua Tagovailoa excels at, moving toward a more vertical passing game that utilizes the speed of receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in one-on-one situations.

Strengths and Challenges

Strengths: Ewers’ ability to make “off-script” plays is his greatest asset. If the pocket collapses, he has the arm strength to throw accurately on the run. He also excels at the “deep ball,” a crucial element for a Dolphins offense built on explosive plays.

Challenges: The gunslinger archetype often struggles with turnovers. Aggressive throws can lead to interceptions, particularly against NFL defensive backs who bait quarterbacks. Furthermore, Ewers has limited game reps. The speed of the NFL game—specifically the pass rush and coverage rotations—is drastically faster than college. His ability to process post-snap reads quickly will be the deciding factor between a highlight-reel touchdown and a costly mistake.

Impact on the Dolphins’ Offense

With Ewers under center, the offensive philosophy may undergo a slight modification. While McDaniel’s system is predicated on speed and motion, the quarterback’s preferences dictate the ball’s destination. Expect the Dolphins to call more play-action shots and designed rollouts to simplify Ewers’ reads while leveraging his mobility. The run game will also be critical to keep the defense honest and prevent Ewers from facing obvious passing downs.

Practical Advice

What to Watch During the Game

If you are tuning in to watch Quinn Ewers’ debut, focus on these three specific areas to gauge his performance:

1. First Quarter Decision Making: Does Ewers force the ball downfield early to make a statement, or does he take what the defense gives him? A patient start suggests good coaching and mental maturity.
2. Response to Pressure: Watch how he handles the “A-gap” blitz. Does he panic and scramble immediately, or does he step up in the pocket? His pocket presence will be tested immediately by NFL defensive coordinators.
3. Ball Placement: Look at the trajectory of his throws. Is he putting the ball where only his receiver can catch it (high point), or is he lofting it? In the NFL, placement is just as important as velocity.

Managing Expectations

For fantasy football managers and Dolphins fans, it is important to manage expectations. A rookie debut is rarely flawless. While the “gunslinger” label promises excitement, it also brings volatility. There may be three-and-outs, but there may also be 50-yard touchdowns. The key metric for success on Sunday is not necessarily the win-loss column, but Ewers’ completion percentage on third downs and his turnover-worthy play rate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The announcement that Quinn Ewers will make his first NFL start for the Miami Dolphins this Sunday is a watershed moment for the franchise and the player. It represents a gamble on raw talent and arm strength over experience. For Ewers, the “Longhorn” who has navigated the complexities of college football stardom, this is the ultimate opportunity to prove he belongs in the NFL. Whether he succeeds as a gunslinger or struggles with the learning curve remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Miami this Sunday as a new era potentially begins.