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It is hard to argue that the quarterback position is one of the most important in all of team sports. That spot on the Miami Dolphins is securely in the hands of fourth-year pro Ryan Tannehill. The only way Tannehill doesn’t start every game is if he is unkindly bitten by injury. It is nice to have a sure thing calling the shots in Miami, but it would be even better if he can improve on his best season as an NFL player and lead the Dolphins to the playoffs.
Tannehill’s 2014 season saw him throw for 4,045 yards and 27 touchdowns. He threw 15 more touchdowns than interceptions and even amassed over 300 yards rushing. He may never be the dual-threat at quarterback that Michael Vick was in his prime, but he is enough of a weapon to keep opposing defensive coordinators studying a little extra film at night.
Thanks to a newly signed astronomical contract that guarantees Tannehill $45 million, expectations for a superstar season have been heightened. Reaching those heights will be easier if Tannehill’s teammates along the offensive line block better than they have during his tenure. A healthy Branden Albert at left tackle, a full season of Mike Pouncey at center and a more seasoned Ja’Wuan James at right tackle should form a solid base in front of Tannehill. Miami must settle the two guard positions before the start of September.
A steady running game would work in conjunction with an improved offensive line to aid in Tannehill’s development. Miami received over 1,000 yards rushing from Lamar Miller last year, but did not have that big back to take the pressure off of Tannehill on third and fourth down and short situations. Perhaps Jay Ajayi, a rookie bulldozer from Boise State, will provide that power.
If Tannehill tops his statistics from 2014, he’ll have a fresh corps of receivers to thank. Mostly all of Miami’s pass catchers are new to the team this year. The only holdovers are fifth man Rishard Matthews and last season’s rookie sensation Jarvis Landry. Joining Landry in the starting lineup will be veteran Greg Jennings and former New Orleans Saints speedster Kenny Stills. Rookie first-round draft pick DeVante Parker will play an important role too once he recovers from foot surgery. Tight end Jordan Cameron replaces Charles Clay giving Tannehill a deep seam threat from that position that he has never had. Cameron also affords the quarterback a tall target inside the red zone.
Longtime Dolphin Matt Moore will once again act as Tannehill’s backup. Moore is a great teacher for Tannehill, and the bond they have formed since 2012 has been immeasurable. The former Oregon State signal-caller is a great player to have on a team, but the Dolphins’ chances of catapulting past the New England Patriots in the standings are nil if Tannehill doesn’t have a career year.
