ProFootballTalk: Dolphins QB competition could be a sham…

Jul. 19 News and Notes 4 comments ---Bill

Next Friday, the Miami Dolphins finally open up training camp.  And seriously, it can’t get here soon enough.  I’ve heard enough of the National Media beating up on the Dolphins for one offseason.  Yes, the Dolphins lack some star power at wide receiver, BUT they had a pretty good draft, have a new offensive system, and a brighter future.  Most, if not all, of the ‘experts’ think the Dolphins are destined to finish 4th in the AFC East.  That’s fine, keep the expectations low and maybe, just maybe this team can sneak up on some people.

Anyway, back to our headline. On Wednesday, ProFootballTalk.com posted a story about Dolphins season ticket sales since the draft.  The increase in sales could be a direct result of the Dolphins finally drafting a quarterback in the first round, in Ryan Tannehill.  At the bottom of the story, PFT writes that they believe the Dolphins QB competition could be a phony competition.  They reason that the Dolphins want Tannehill to start the season as the Dolphins QB, but want him to gain confidence by leap frogging Matt Moore and David Garrard during the preseason.

I swear, I’m not making it up, click on the link above and read for yourself.  This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.  First, most people expected Tannehill to start the season on the bench, before he was drafted. For the love of God, he was a wide receiver 2 years ago!  The kid needs time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, something that was apparent in OTA’s. Second, if he does outperform the other 2 QBs, he should be he starter. But only if he earns the job.  AND, it’s not like it would be a secret if he’s outperforming the veteran QBs because it will happen in front of fans/media at practices, at preseason games, oh yeah and on HBO HARD KNOCKS!  I’m not a fan of PFT because of nonsense like this.

Again, Tannehill could win the QB competition, but in my personal opinion, I think it’s unlikely.  I think it’s more likely that Tannehill starts the season on the bench and could see some starts later in the season to get his feet wet.  However, that will depend on where the Dolphins are in the standings at that point.  We’ll see, the QB competition gets underway next Friday. Well, we hope it starts next Friday…there’s a chance Tannehill won’t be there because he’s still unsigned.  By the way, I believe the Dolphins will sign Tannehill and their other 2 unsigned rookies (Vernon and Egnew) by the time next Friday gets here.

Finally, we wanted to share the below video with you.  It’s the latest trailer from HBO’s Hard Knocks.  They’ll start taping once training camp opens and the first episode is set to air on August 7th!  Set your DVRs and get ready because it’s just about time for Dolphins football!!


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  • KillerFin

    Tannehill should start regardless!!! We have 2 backups that could fill the void but really won’t be necessary!!! Putting your team to show the new team to the entire world is STUPID!!! Hope it don’t kill us this year!!! GO FINS!!!

    • http://dolphinshout.com Paul

      Tannehill starting would be a mistake. He needs time to develop. The pro game is still too fast for him. He needs time to develop. The only thing that Tannehill would “gain” from starting instantly is a lack of confidence.

  • Bill

    KillerFin – I’m all for Tannehill starting, but only if Philbin believes he’s ready. He needs to adjust to the speed of the game since the one criticism from minicamps were that he held the ball too long…that will improve, but you don’t want him holding the ball too long in a game and risking and injury or risking him becoming skittish (ala David Carr)…Nothing would make me happier than Tannehill kicking ass and taking names in camp, beating out Moore/Garrard. BUT, if he’s not ready, I’d rather him sit for a while until he is ready. Honestly, I think he’s going to end up starting games in the second half of the season anyway….PHINS UP!

  • rollin’ on the river

    To all the people that feel young Tannehill should not play until he is adjusted to the NFL, I ask you, how is he to gain this experience without playing?. I happen to believe if the player is an 8th overall pick in the draft, he should be more than a work in progress. 4 and 12 this season, if we’re lucky.
    Go Fish……………………