Miami Dolphins QB’s: Tannehill continues to impress
By Josh Binder
Thus far into training camp, we’ve seen improvement in confidence, leadership, and even deep ball skills from Miami Dolphins quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. As expected, day’s 1 and 2 (without pads) went smoothly for the starting QB, but as all Fins fans know, strapping on the pads is when we really find out whose improved during the offseason. Now, let’s break down how the Fins QB’s have done this weekend when dressed in full pads.
Day 3
During Tannehill’s first few seasons in the NFL, he’s shown glimpses of elite quarterback ability, but has never exhibited consistent confidence in his arm, decision making, or deep ball. However, in day 3 of training camp, Tannehill connected on a few deep balls with his wide-outs and was decisive on all pass attempts. Reported by Miami Dolphins Finsider, John Congemi, Tannehill looks comfortable and has shown “extreme confidence in his abilities and command of this offense…The majority of his passes over three days, and yes even the deep ball, has been on target.”
As for the other QB’s who receive regular playing time during camp, Matt Moore has been decent in his backup role. As expected, Moore has had his ups-and-downs thus far into camp, throwing touchdowns at key moments, but also making bad decisions that lead to interceptions.
Michael Thomas intercepts Matt Moore. Bad decision and weak throw.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) August 1, 2015
While Matt Moore was average on day 3, third-string QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson was downright awful. He’s thrown multiple interceptions in almost every day of camp, and has shown no improvement from day 1 to day 3. While I’m not sure why recently re-signed quarterback Josh Freeman isn’t getting more playing time, day 3 showed more of the same from Bethel-Thompson, who threw interceptions to Sammy Seamster and Cedric Thompson.
Day 4
On day 4, the Dolphins defensive line continued their stout play, while the offensive line remained stagnant. Furthermore, head coach Joe Philbin finally admitted “we have a problem” when talking to the media about the offensive line play thus far into training camp. Regardless of the lack of chemistry along the offensive line, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has continued to shine. He made a beautiful pass to receiver Jarvis Landry, who beat CB Bryce McCain for a touchdown. Tannehill did, however, throw his first interception of camp to safety Reshad Jones, who high-stepped his way into the endzone.
Jarvis Landry just scored a touchdown on Brice McCain. Great throw from Ryan Tannehill.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 2, 2015
As for the rest of the quarterbacks, Matt Moore had a great day 4 practice. He threaded the needle for a nice touchdown to Tommy Streeter and also connected on TD’s with Jay Ajayi, Arthur Lynch, Dion Sims, and Matt Hazel. He did, however, make a poor decision that turned into a Will Davis interception. While Moore’s improvement on day 4 was great, his inability to have time in the pocket should be attributed to the atrocious (second-team) offensive line play. As Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinal described it, “the entire O-line gets destroyed”.
Matt Moore can't get the ball off because the entire O-line gets destroyed. 2nd team line isn't good.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) August 2, 2015
Overall, the weekend was won by the defense. With the offensive line struggling to find rhythm in the passing game, the defensive front has looked like a top-5 NFL unit. For more Miami Dolphins QB coverage, check out my last article, and Fins up! Don’t forget to follow @PhinPhanatic and myself on twitter @JoshBinder86 for news, updates, and opinions on all things Dolphins!