The Miami Dolphins are set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, December 28, 2025, marking their first meeting at this venue since 2017. This game represents the Dolphins’ final home contest of the 2025 NFL season.
The Buccaneers enter the matchup needing a victory to remain competitive in the NFC South division race. The Dolphins, meanwhile, aim to build on the momentum generated by rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers’ strong debut as a starter earlier this season.
Miami running back De’Von Achane recently was named to his first career Pro Bowl. Despite this recognition, the Dolphins maintain focus on playing spoiler and securing a win at home to close their season on a high note.
Coaches and Players Emphasize Competitive Challenge
Head coach Mike McDaniel highlighted the importance of facing a motivated Buccaneers team. “The Bucs are going to be very on it, it’s going to be important to them,” McDaniel said. “From a competitive standpoint, that’s what our team needs to go against and beat, is somebody that needs the win. From our vantage point, I like the competition of it.”
Quarterback Quinn Ewers described Tampa Bay’s playing style as aggressive and fiery. “I think that they play super hard. They do a good amount of change up stuff… They seem like they are a bunch of fiery guys running around, trying to attack the ball. Again, just love the challenge ahead, excited for the opportunity for all of us,” Ewers remarked.
Defensive and Offensive Leaders Receive Praise
Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver praised linebacker Jordyn Brooks as the NFL’s leading tackler and an exceptional performer on film. “Just put on the tape. I think it’d be hard-pressed for anybody to put Jordyn’s tape against either of those guys and say that he’s an alternate to either of them. That kid has been flying around all year. He’s the NFL’s leading tackler,” Weaver said.
Offensive coordinator Frank Smith acknowledged veteran long snapper Aaron Brewer’s leadership and special skill set despite not making this year’s Pro Bowl. “Like we talked about a couple weeks ago, he’s stalwart part of our team, a leader, really sets the tone. His range and ability, I mean it’s really special. I think if he keeps building upon a season like this, something like Pro Bowls are right around the corner,” Smith stated.
Rookie QB Ewers Receives Accolades for Composure
McDaniel praised Ewers’ composure and decision-making in his first start. “The biggest thing was the idea of starting quarterback; you want to see the game not be too big for them. You want to see some composure, some feel, some understanding of time and space. You want to see them be able to hold onto the ball when the pocket allows but to get rid of the ball when the pocket is coming down on you, and I think he – it was impressive,” the head coach noted.
Fullback Alex Ingold also commented on Ewers’ character throughout his debut. “Seeing him up and down the sideline being consistent with it, not too high, not too low, so I thought that was pretty cool to see out of Quinn. Obviously coming out of half was pretty rough for the entire offense, but for him to go through that, work through it, started fast in the first half and then respond in the fourth quarter I think shows a lot of his character and it’ll be interesting to see how the team can respond with him after that performance for next week. Excited to bank reps with him and see how he continues to progress for sure,” Ingold said.
Source: Original report