Overview
- Cincinnati beat Miami 45-21, scoring touchdowns on five straight drives and outscoring the Dolphins 21-0 in the third quarter.
- In his first NFL start, Quinn Ewers went 20-of-30 for 260 yards with two interceptions after a sharp first half.
- McDaniel said Ewers earned further opportunities and is expected to start again in Week 17 against the Buccaneers.
- Tua Tagovailoa was demoted to third on the depth chart, listed inactive, and designated as Miami’s emergency quarterback.
- The loss locked in a second straight losing season for the Dolphins and intensified scrutiny of second-half coaching and overall direction, with some reports suggesting Tua may not be back in 2026.