Excuses running out for Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill is getting an excess amount of heat from outside the organization for the Miami Dolphins 1-4 start. Nevertheless, the company line inside the Dolphins franchise is there’s too much heat on Tannehill and that pass protection is the highest concern currently facing the offense.
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Tannehill is hopeful that pass-protection issues will be amended heading into Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last week, Tannehill was sacked a season-high six times and was hit seven additional times by Tennessee Titans defenders. Tannehill dropped back to pass 24 times and was sacked or hit on 13 of those occasions which is a whopping 54 percent of his drop backs.
Now, yes, the Miami Dolphins offensive line is inadequate and has been for a while, but I believe that the issues are just as much on the offensive line as it is on Ryan Tannehill. How many times have we seen Tannehill get pressured and instead of sliding to the left or right he just stands there? How many times has Tannehill been pressured and there’s an open lane to run, but instead stays and takes the sack?
There are times when Tannehill could get outside the pocket and throw the ball away, but instead takes a sack and put his team in a bad position. Head coach Adam Gase believes he can teach Tannehill pocket awareness. The problem with that is you either have awareness or you don’t.
You can rebuttal and say that Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler played better and etc. However, Cutler is a true quarterback. While attending Texas A&M, Mike Sherman took over as head coach. In summer camp, Tannehill competed against veteran quarterback Stephen McGee and redshirt sophomore Jerrod Johnson for the starting quarterback position. He finished third in the contest, behind Johnson and then McGee. Sherman, whose offense utilizes true receivers, moved him to wide receiver.
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How do you finish third on the depth chart and think that you’ll be able to thrive in the NFL? The majority of these NFL quarterbacks throughout their whole time playing football since pop warner have played quarterback. Tannehill since playing football, in general, has played defensive back, wide receiver, and quarterback.
Jay Cutler has been playing the quarterback position since he started playing football and has also never been beat out at his position up until now due to injury this season. I hope Tannehill can turn the corner and shine, but so far it just hasn’t happened.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russel Wilson has one of the worst offensive lines in football and he still manages to do what he does. Yes, granted Wilson has a great defense, but last time I checked he doesn’t play defense.
I understand head coach Adam Gase is trying to prove a point by attempting to fix Ryan Tannehill because that’s what he vowed to do, but at what cost? Until the wheels completely come off and he’s on the hot seat? I hope Adam Gase can turn things around, but I hope he doesn’t put himself at risk because I do believe with a little time, Adam Gase can be an exceptional head coach.
READ MORE: A goodbye poem to Ryan Tannehill
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