The Miami Dolphins are set to face off against the 4-10 Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The game was originally scheduled to be played on Sunday Night Football, but with both teams under .500 and out of playoff contention, it was flexed out in favor of Ravens-Patriots.
The biggest news heading into the game is Miami’s decision to bench quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and opt to start rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers. It will mark Ewers’ first career start and the first time head coach Mike McDaniel has benched Tagovailoa.
One good piece of news for the Dolphins is they will likely have Jordyn Brooks available for the game. Brooks did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday as he was dealing with a foot and knee issue, but he did register limited participation in Friday’s practice. The Dolphins linebacker then spoke to the media and said he will play on Sunday.
Jordyn Brooks’ Season
Brooks has been an integral part of the Dolphins defense as he currently leads the NFL in tackles. He already set a Dolphins record with the most tackles by a player in his first two seasons with the team, surpassing Hall of Famer Zach Thomas. NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal described Brooks’ season as “Awesome all year. All-Pro consideration worthy.” ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak shared a similar sentiment saying “He has delivered a first-team All-Pro caliber season on a defense without much talent besides him.”
Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver added on Brooks, “He’s the best linebacker in the league… everything you want and expect out of an inside linebacker, he is. He is more than deserving of [a Pro Bowl] nod. I think he deserves All-Pro.” Fortunately for Miami, it seems like he will be available to take on the Bengals.
Prior to the 2024 season, Brooks arrived in Miami after signing a three-year, $26.25 million contract with the Dolphins. Following the 2025 season, Brooks has no guaranteed money remaining on his deal, which means he’ll likely seek a contract extension after the season. Despite the Dolphins’ disappointing season, Brooks has been a bright spot and his accolades will likely warrant an extension with the team.
Dolphins vs Bengals
The Dolphins defense led by Brooks will take on an explosive Bengals offense. Despite their 4-10 record, Cincinnati has Joe Burrow back at the position and they will possibly also have Tee Higgins back in the lineup. The two teams last played on Thursday Night Football in 2022, a game the Dolphins lost 27–15, in which quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion and was carted off the field.
Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers will take on the 32nd ranked Bengals defense. Ahead of the game, head coach Mike McDaniel said about the rookie quarterback, “I see the reason we made the move that way. It wasn’t perfect. But the competitive response and conviction at the position after anything would go awry, I really like about him and it really showed off.” Ewers started 37 games in his college career, throwing for 68 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.
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