Ewers completed 20 of 30 passes for 260 yards and threw two interceptions against what Pro Football Focus rates the second-worst defense in the league. Although the rookie seventh-round pick didn’t light up the box score, much of the blame for the 45-20 defeat can be attributed to a Miami defense that allowed 407 total yards of offense.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said last week that there was no better NFL fit for Ewers than the Dolphins, as Miami head coach Mike McDaniel runs a similar offensive system to Sarkisian’s. Ewers seemed to confirm his comfort level after Sunday’s game.
“It didn’t feel fast to me,” Ewers told reporters. “I thought during the week we did a good job of keeping our eyes on the play clock.”
The former Longhorn began the game looking precise, racking up 102 yards on 10-for-12 passing in the first half. Ewers didn’t try to do too much, and on a third-and-6 in the first quarter, he converted with a 22-yard pass to tight end Darren Waller.
However, things got muddier in the second half. After falling behind 24-14, a throw intended for wide receiver Theo Wease was deflected and picked off by Barrett Carter. The Bengals stopped a fourth-and-1 sneak by Ewers on the next drive, and the rookie followed it up with an ill-advised pass down the right sideline to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle that Bengals defensive back Jalen Davis intercepted.
Ewers’ best throw of the day came toward the end of the game. The quarterback manipulated a Bengals linebacker with his eyes, opening up a passing window for an 18-yard completion to Wease.
The Texas-ex wasn’t spectacular, but McDaniels said Ewers has earned the opportunity to continue to be the starter and develop.
“I was happy how he handled the position — that’s not easy,” McDaniels said. “And I think that’s what’s frustrating (about the loss) is it would be a lot better if it was on the rookie quarterback, and I don’t think it was.”