Rookie Quinn Ewers will make his third career starts on Sunday.
Going up against a rookie quarterback making his third career start last week, the New England Patriots defense dominated. Brady Cook completed only 19 of 33 passes for 159 yards and an interception as his New York Jets got blown out 42-10.
Given last Sunday’s success, it would be easy for the Patriots defense to expect a similar day at the office in Week 18. After all, another rookie passer making his third career start awaits.
However, they know that taking the foot off the gas will not cut it against the Miami Dolphins and Quinn Ewers.
“Quinn’s looked good coming in. He’s got a lot of arm talent, can make a lot of throws,” said Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez this week. “It’s another challenge like it is every week. We’re excited as a defense.”
Ewers joined the Dolphins as a seventh-round selection in this year’s draft, and began his career as the third-string QB behind starter Tua Tagovailoa and backup Zach Wilson. By Week 7, however, he had been moved up into the second spot on the depth chart and later that week made his NFL debut late in a 31-6 blowout loss.
With Tagovailoa continuing to struggle and the Dolphins eventually getting eliminated from playoff contention, head coach Mike McDaniel decided to make a change. Tagovailoa, who had signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension the previous summer, was benched in favor of his rookie backup.
In the two games since, Ewers has gone a combined 34-of-52 for 432 yards with two touchdowns and interceptions each. While his stats do not jump off the page, acting Patriots defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr has seen a capable player — one not overwhelmed by the unfamiliar challenge he is facing.
“I don’t think he has any fear. He got thrown to the fire and I didn’t see him bat an eye at it,” Kuhr said. “He was a gunslinger in college. You still see some of that in the game tape. He’s not afraid to try to fit a ball in a window. He doesn’t play hesitant. You can tell he’s still getting the reps. It was kind of late when he started, but definitely he feels like he has all the confidence in the world in himself and his arm. He’ll fit a tight window, he’ll let his guys make a play even when maybe it’s not open. He’ll throw it up and give his guys a shot.
“He’s handling the situation pretty well for this late in the season as a rookie.”
Category: General Sports
