Blake Bortles vs Ryan Tannehill: Week 2 QB duel

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Oct 26, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Miami Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill was a moderate surprise when he was selected with the eighth overall selection in the 2012 NFL Draft. The Miami Dolphins were ready to move on from Chad Henne (now with the Jacksonville Jaguars) and they felt Tannehill had all the skills they needed at the quarterback position.

At 6’4″ and 220 pounds, he certainly has the prototypical size. So far, he’s made marked improvement year to year and, entering his fourth season, he could be poised for his best year yet.

Over the last three seasons, Tannehill has seen his total yardage rise from 3294 to 3913 to 4045. His touchdown to interception ratio has also improved going from 12:13 to 24:17 to 27:12. That’s marked improvement for a quarterback and it’s clear that the Dolphins’ faith in Ryan Tannehill is being rewarded with dedicated improvement each and every year.

What I would like to see from Tannehill to really impress is an improvement in his yards per attempt. He has put up a low of 6.7 (2013) and a high of 6.8 (2014) in his career. The next step in improvement would be to get those yards per attempt up above seven.

Perhaps the most important thing to look at for a quarterback is his win-loss record. Tannehill has played from some decently talented Dolphins teams and his record so far is just 24-25 (counting last week’s victory). While certainly not all his fault, and still a respectable outing for a young quarterback, Tannehill’s play is almost reflected perfectly by his win-loss record: average.

Two 8-8 seasons in 2013 and 2014 show promise, but Tannehill still has to deliver.

Heading into the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ryan Tannehill has a chance to get off to a 2-0 start for 2015. He’ll need to pick apart a secondary that limited Cam Newton well in Week 1, only allowing him to put up 158 yards.

It’s an early test for a young quarterback who needs to prove doubters (like myself) wrong and show that he is better than simply average.

Next: Start or sit Allen Robinson?

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