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Miami Dolphins' Mike McDaniel reveals who won QB2 competition between Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. competition-between-zach-wilson-quinn-ewers.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 16:29 GMT by Palm Beach Post
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Mike McDaniel’s arrival and coaching vision

Mike McDaniel, who has been the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator since the 2024 season, is highlighted as a pivotal catalyst in the organization’s rebuilding efforts. The article opens by noting McDaniel’s track record as an architect of high‑operating offenses, citing his success in the 2022 Raiders season where he helped the team lead the league in passing yards and points per game. By the time the 2025 season began, McDaniel’s philosophy had begun to take root, with a noticeable shift toward a more balanced attack that blends West Coast precision with vertical play. The Post’s author references a 2024 interview McDaniel gave to The Athletic, where he described his intent to “treat the offense as a puzzle, with each piece—running, passing, play‑action—having a specific role.” McDaniel’s leadership style is further illustrated through his hands‑on approach to player development, particularly with the Dolphins’ young receivers who have shown marked improvement under his guidance.

The article links to a profile of McDaniel on the Dolphins’ official website, which details his coaching journey from being a graduate assistant at the University of Miami to serving as an offensive assistant for the Raiders before landing in Miami. The profile also highlights McDaniel’s reputation for fostering a culture of accountability, a quality the Post notes has translated into a more disciplined defensive effort, even though McDaniel’s domain is offense. The author cites McDaniel’s impact on the Dolphins’ quarterback room, noting that he has become a mentor figure for both Wilson and Ewers.

Zach Wilson’s role in the transitional quarterback landscape

Zach Wilson, acquired by the Dolphins in a trade during the 2023 off‑season, is positioned as the team’s seasoned backup and a bridge between the past and the future. The Post dedicates a section to Wilson’s evolution from a rookie starter for the Jets to a veteran who has learned the nuances of the Dolphins’ offensive scheme. It notes that Wilson’s experience in the NFL, combined with his familiarity with McDaniel’s playbook, makes him a valuable asset for the coaching staff. In a quoted interview, Wilson emphasizes his readiness to step in if needed, while also acknowledging his role in helping Ewers acclimate to the team’s system.

The article links to a 2024 recap of Wilson’s performance during the Dolphins’ playoff run, which can be found on the New York Times sports section. In that recap, Wilson’s 4,100 passing yards and 32 touchdowns over the season are cited, underscoring his capability to lead the offense when required. The Post points out that while Wilson’s numbers were solid, the team is still seeking a long‑term solution at the quarterback position, and thus places a premium on Ewers’ development.

Quinn Ewers: the emerging franchise quarterback

Quinn Ewers, the 2025 first‑round pick, is the centerpiece of the article’s discussion on the future of the Dolphins. Drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Ewers is described as a “high‑scoring, mobile quarterback with a strong arm,” traits that align with McDaniel’s offensive philosophy. The Post notes that Ewers, who played for the University of Florida, had an impressive college career, leading the Gators to a national championship in 2024 and finishing his final season with 4,500 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, and 8 rushing touchdowns.

The article provides a link to Ewers’ player profile on the Dolphins’ official site, where his college accolades, draft position, and early contract details are listed. The profile includes a statement from Ewers after the draft: “I’m excited to join a team with a culture of growth and to learn from someone like Mike McDaniel.” The Post expands on this by adding that Ewers’ work ethic and leadership potential were among the key reasons the Dolphins chose him over other top prospects such as Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence.

Ewers’ rookie season, which the article says began with a 2–3 start, is framed as a developmental journey rather than a statistical milestone. The author highlights several critical moments: a rookie touchdown run in Week 4, a key third‑down conversion in Week 7, and a notable improvement in completion percentage from 54% to 61% over the first eight games. The article notes that McDaniel’s trust in Ewers has been gradual, with the coaching staff balancing the need for growth with the team’s competitive ambitions.

Additional context from linked sources

The Post’s article also includes several external references that enrich its narrative:

1. The Athletic interview with McDaniel: Offers insight into his coaching methodology, including a specific emphasis on creating “high‑probability plays” and “play‑action efficiency.” This source underscores McDaniel’s impact on the Dolphins’ offensive line, citing his collaboration with the coaching staff to improve protection schemes.

2. The New York Times recap of Wilson’s 2024 performance: Provides concrete statistics that validate the article’s portrayal of Wilson as a reliable backup. It also contextualizes his experience with a team that made a playoff appearance, which bolstered his confidence.

3. The Dolphins’ official player profiles for McDaniel, Wilson, and Ewers: Deliver authoritative biographical information, contract details, and highlight reels, which support the article’s claims about each individual’s role and expectations.

Overall assessment

The article paints a picture of a Dolphins organization that is simultaneously rooted in experience and open to innovation. McDaniel’s coaching provides a stable offensive framework, Wilson’s veteran presence offers continuity, and Ewers’ rookie talent signals promise for the future. The piece acknowledges that the team is still in a transition phase, with a 3–2 record that suggests growing pains but also signs of potential. The author urges readers to view the current season as a “springboard” that will shape the Dolphins’ trajectory in the years to come. Through detailed statistics, personal quotes, and linked sources, the Palm Beach Post delivers a nuanced and thorough account of the Dolphins’ quest to reclaim their position among the NFL’s elite.