The Miami Dolphins got strong performances from their backup quarterbacks on Saturday night, as Zach Wilson and Quinn Ewers combined to lead a 24-17 preseason win over the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
With starters from both sides resting after a week of joint practices, the focus shifted to the reserves fighting for roster spots. Wilson, Miami’s No. 2 quarterback behind Tua Tagovailoa, looked sharp in the first half, completing 15 of 23 passes for 151 yards and an 11-yard touchdown to Dee Eskridge that gave Miami a 7-0 lead late in the opening quarter.
Detroit answered quickly, with Kyle Allen impressing in his Lions debut. Allen completed 14 of 17 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, including an 18-yard strike to Isaac TeSlaa just before halftime that gave Detroit a 14-7 edge at the break.
The second half belonged to rookie Quinn Ewers. The third-stringer went 11 of 17 for 116 yards and two touchdowns, both to Theo Wease Jr. He tied the game on a 15-yard connection early in the third, then put Miami ahead 21-17 with an 8-yard score midway through the fourth quarter.
Ewers also engineered the drive of the night, marching the Dolphins 92 yards in 15 plays after being pinned at their own 5. That possession set up Jason Sanders’ 22-yard field goal with under two minutes left, extending the lead to 24-17.
Detroit had one last chance, moving inside Miami’s red zone in the final seconds, but Ethan Robinson intercepted Hendon Hooker’s pass at the 13-yard line to seal the win. Hooker struggled in relief, finishing 6 of 13 for 61 yards and a costly pick.
On the ground, Ollie Gordon II carried 10 times for 50 yards to pace Miami, while Jacob Saylors led Detroit with 39 rushing yards on 13 attempts.
“I thought both Zach and Quinn did a nice job executing what we asked of them,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “This is exactly what preseason is about—giving guys opportunities to show they can step up.”
The Dolphins improved to 1-0-1 this preseason, while the Lions fell to 1-2. Up next Dolphins will host the Indianapolis Colts next Saturday in their preseason finale. Lions wrap up their preseason at home against the Houston Texans next Saturday.
