The former Jets quarterback is certainly generating buzz with his new team.
Zach Wilson, who played for the Jets from 2021 to 2023, had a standout performance in the first half of the Dolphins’ game on Saturday, leading them to a 24-17 victory over the Lions in their second preseason outing.
At 26, Wilson threw 15 completed passes out of 23 attempts, including a touchdown, for a total of 151 yards. This was a notable improvement from his debut with the Dolphins, where he went a less impressive 5-5 against the Bears.
The second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is now the backup quarterback for the Dolphins, working behind Tua Tagovailoa, a Pro Bowler. After a year with the Broncos in 2024, he signed a one-year contract worth $6 million with Miami in March.
Rookie Quinn Ewors also performed well on Saturday, completing 11 of 17 passes for 116 yards.
“The quarterback journey is about making the most of whatever reps you get,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel mentioned to reporters after the game. “It was a good day for both of them. Quinn took advantage of his chances, and Zack did exceptionally well in the first half.”
Ewors is projected to be Miami’s third-string quarterback despite being selected in the seventh round of the 2025 draft.
With both Wilson and Ewors showcasing their skills, McDaniel was hesitant to name a clear winner from the day’s performances.
“I’m not going to jump to conclusions after one day,” he noted. “We’re going to keep focusing on the process.”
Since coming to Miami earlier this year, Wilson has expressed appreciation for the guidance he has received from his coach.
“It’s quite something because in past places, no one ever told me, ‘Hey, you’re late,'” Wilson reflected about his throwing practice in June. “Even with a strong arm, they’d never say, ‘Hey, you need to get this throw right.’”
He credited the Dolphins’ speedy receiving core for the valuable feedback he’s been getting.
“Our receivers are incredibly fast,” he remarked. “I have to trust that they’ll be there.”
