Instant report card for Miami Dolphins QB Quinn Ewers vs. Patriots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quinn Ewers, the Miami Dolphins' rookie quarterback, made his third career start in the 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots.

Unfortunately for Ewers, he was minus several playmakers, including running back De'Von Achane, receiver Jaylen Waddle and tight end Darren Waller. After injuring his knee on a play late in the fourth quarter, he was replaced by Zach Wilson. He was 16 of 23 for 137 yards with a touchdown and interception on the day.

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Breaking down how Ewers performed:

Arm strength

It's not as if Ewers was attempting all sorts of throws requiring him to zip the ball in there. One exception was a deep throw to Tahj Washington to start the second half that was underthrown. But the Patriots were called for pass interference.

Grade: C

Accuracy

Despite all the injuries to receivers, Ewers went 9 for 11 in the first half. It didn't appear all those reps he never got to take most of the season left him rusty. Unfortunately for Ewers, his accuracy let him down in the red zone in the third quarter. A pass intended for Tahj Washington sailed right to Jaylinn Hawkins for an easy interception in the end zone. Cedrick Wilson would have been a better target on that play. He later threw a ball that nearly was picked off by Jack Gibbens. He appeared to be pressing as the Patriots extended their lead.

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Grade: C-plus

Decision-making

On his first series, Ewers looked right, didn't like what he saw, then went to his next progression and calmly hit Theo Wease for 20 yards.

Grade: B-minus

Mobility

Ewers had a run for 9 yards. More than that, he looked smooth rolling out and running play-action plays, such as on the touchdown pass to Malik Washington.

Grade: B

Poise

On a fourth-and-1 gamble in the red zone, Ewers rolled right, took as much time as he could and nearly found Cedrick Wilson in the back of the end zone. It was his first incomplete pass of the day.

Grade: B

Overall

This was an odd test for a rookie quarterback. You take away any quarterback's primary weapons, put him on the road against the division champions, it's obviously a difficult situation. But in an odd way, it was almost a no-lose situation for Ewers. Lose the game, it's expected. The Patriots were favored by 13 1/2 points on many sports books. But pull an upset or come close to one, fans would be counting the days until training camp begins.

This was somewhere in between.

Grade: C-plus

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Quinn Ewers: Report card vs. Patriots a mixed bag