Dolphins beat Bucs 20-17…. Setting up McDaniel’s return?
The Miami Dolphins’ win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not move the needle much in the standings, but it almost certainly moved it where it matters most: Stephen Ross’ decision-making desk. In a season filled with inconsistency, frustration, and long stretches of uninspired football, this victory was just enough for Ross to bring McDaniel back to see how he does without Tua.
Quinn Ewers playing well for the second straight outing is added incentive for Ross to move off Tua and give McDaniel one last shot with his new quarterback.
Now, McDaniel returning isn’t my hope, but Ross is always slow to cut people he likes off–and he likes McDaniel.
So, this home win might have won McDaniel another shot. Whether he does or it’s the right move only time will tell.
Bucs Defeat Showed a Ton of Good
For Mike McDaniel, it was a good showing against a talented in Tampa despite their struggles over the last seven weeks. The Dolphins looked organized, prepared, and — most importantly — competitive. The 20-17 victory was more dominating that the numbers show and for the most part McDaniel’s flaws of not running the football, underperforming, and sloppy play didn’t rear their heads much. Miami didn’t fold when momentum shifted, didn’t spiral under pressure, and didn’t embarrass itself in a nationally scrutinized spot. For Ross, who has consistently valued offensive identity and quarterback development, that matters.
And speaking of quarterbacks, you can bet with the best pay per head that Quinn Ewers gave Miami exactly what it needed.
Ewers played Well Enough to Be Pleasant Surprise
Ewers’ first half was the strongest stretch of quarterback play the Dolphins have seen a long time throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions. He was decisive, comfortable in the pocket, and willing to attack windows rather than dance around them. The ball came out on time, the offense stayed on schedule, and Miami built rhythm early — something that has been painfully rare this season.
The second half wasn’t as explosive, but it also wasn’t disastrous. Ewers didn’t disappear. He didn’t implode. He managed the game, absorbed pressure, and avoided the back-breaking mistakes that have haunted Miami quarterbacks in similar situations. For a young passer still finding his footing, that’s meaningful progress. It wasn’t perfect — but it was professional.
That performance alone won’t crown Ewers as “the answer,” but it absolutely strengthened the case that Miami has something to build with. And combined with the win, it reinforces the narrative Ross has often preferred: growth over reset.
The Big Test Comes against the Patriots
But now comes the part that will tell what McDaniel, Ewers, and this team is made of. I don’t think a loss to the Pats will change Ross’ decision, but if they play well, then I might be a tad more enthusiastic if he returns.
The Dolphins head to New England next — into a hostile environment, against a divisional opponent, in a game that historically exposes pretenders. Winning at Gillette Stadium has never been easy for Miami, and this matchup will reveal whether the Buccaneers win was a stepping stone… or just a brief pause in the chaos.
If McDaniel and Ewers can show composure on the road, stack another competent performance, and keep the team competitive deep into the fourth quarter, the direction becomes clearer.
McDaniel in 2026?
The Buccaneers game may have saved McDaniel’s job, but this doesn’t mean either he or Ewers will be the long-term answers, but the Patriots game will certainly offer hope if they play well.
Either way, Ewers and McDaniel running the offense next season feels baked into the cake. As much as many fans have wanted Ross has never stripped a team down to the foundations in his time as owner, he always keeps one hold over. This is why I expect history to repeat.
Grier was fired a few months ago and Tua is next on the chopping blocks.
So, will McDaniel be the last man standing?
Time will tell if he’s back and if Ross will finally make a great decision. All we can do is hope the New Year finally brings a great year and not the same ole’ results!
Go Phins!!!