New England Patriots: 5 Reasons why Miami Dolphins will not win AFC East
By Hal Bent
Ryan Tannehill:
Miami has invested a significant amount of money in quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill was handed a four-year, $77 million contract extension through 2020 in 2015 and guarantees him $45 million dollars. For that kind of investment, the Dolphins should expect more than an offense that finished 26th in the NFL in passing yards.
Miami spent a first-round draft pick on Tannehill in 2012 and invested a first-round pick in 2014 and 2016 on offensive tackles to protect him. Miami spent another first-round draft pick on wide receiver DeVante Parker in 2015 and re-signed Kenny Stills this offseason to a four-year contract worth $32 million with almost $20 million guaranteed.
Tannehill has spent five years as the starter in Miami and is turning 29-years-old this season. Tannehill has overcome his initial struggles to become an above-average quarterback at a level of productivity in the range of Alex Smith and Andy Dalton. Tannehill has completed over 62% of his passes only twice and topped 4,000 yards passing twice.
Last season Tannehill missed the final three games of the season with a knee injury and back-up Matt Moore stepped in without missing a beat. Whether Moore’s success was a success of the coaching staff having him ready or an indictment of Tannehill remains to be soon.
The bottom line is heading into season six Tannehill has yet to win eight games in a season or start a playoff game. His career passer rating is just 86.5 and despite the investment in players around him the Dolphins have failed to take the next step on offense. With minimal moves on offense in free agency and the draft, there is little reason to believe Tannehill is going to take a huge step forward in year six.