Brian Hartline Gives Warm Praise to Ryan Tannehill for Progression, Leadership

Dec 1, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) and quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter of a game at MetLife Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

A quarterback in the National Football League has a presence of respect and responsibility of no other position in the game, and Brian Hartline releases warm praise to his second-year quarterback.

On Wednesday, Hartline was featured on NFL Network giving some informative insight on his quarterback and team moving forward. The 27-year-old receiver went as far as to say Ryan Tannehill is the leader of the Miami Dolphins.

"“It’s his team and we are following his lead,” Hartline said."

There is always that cliche of “a quarterback is a leader of a team,” but honestly, this positive statement by Brian Hartline holds weight behind it as a confidence booster to his second-year partner in crime for the forthcoming.

Aside from Tannehill’s impressive, roll-out throws, there seems to be a notion that Hartline is actually visioning a true leader inside the huddle and locker room. It may be due to the success Hartline has had this year, and his statement could be slightly excessive, but either way its a positive feeling for the Dolphins (which is a rarity this season).

Tannehill’s ongoing improvements continue to evident after he hit his $60 million receiver Mike Wallace in stride and shared wealth to all of his targets on the field this past week against the New York Jets. And subsequently, Hartline is acknowledging his quarterback’s progression and maturity.

"“His comfortability level is just higher,” Hartline added. “We assume it’s a big jump from year one to year two, but a lot of guys aren’t great unless they perceive to get better throughout their entire career. And Ryan is doing that. He is doing that in a steady pace, making a lot of good throws and making a lot of bigger throws as he gets better.”"

Tannehill is displaying that he can do a lot with good receivers surrounding him, and with a sluggish running game, the ball is in his hand and he can either lead his team to victory (the playoffs) or go home thinking what could have been.