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Dolphins’ Rookies Lift 20–17 Upset of Buccaneers as Ewers Throws First TDs

Rookie breakthroughs alongside Bradley Chubb’s two-sack game sharpen Miami’s evaluation push heading into a finale that will influence draft position.

Overview

  • Quinn Ewers tossed the first two touchdown passes of his career, with fellow rookie Theo Wease Jr. securing his first NFL touchdown reception.
  • Miami moved to 7-9 and must win at New England in the finale to avoid its worst season since 2019.
  • Rookie defenders contributed key plays, including Jason Marshall Jr.’s first interception with Miami and Zeke Biggers’ blocked field goal; center Andrew Meyer saw his first NFL action for the injured Aaron Brewer.
  • Bradley Chubb posted three tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble and was named The Phinsider’s Week 17 MVP; per Spotrac, some incentives in his revised deal hinge on the defense finishing top 20 in points allowed, with Miami currently 21st.
  • The win initially nudged the projected 2026 draft slot from No. 10 to No. 12 before settling at No. 11 after other results, with a loss at New England potentially pushing the pick as high as No. 8 depending on league outcomes.