Dolphins top 20 2016 moves: number 3

Aug 4, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase (left) talks with Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (right) during practice drills at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase (left) talks with Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (right) during practice drills at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today we continue Looking back at the 2016 off-season for the Miami Dolphins and the 20 moves that could impact not only the 2016 season but beyond.

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Number 3: Can Ryan Tannehill learn a new system?

In college Ryan Tannehill ran the Mike Sherman West-Coast style offensive system. When he was drafted in 2012 with the 8th overall pick he once again stepped into the same Mike Sherman system.

After two seasons of failing to move the offense in a positive direction, Mike Sherman was replaced with former Eagles quarterback coach Bill Lazor. Many wondered if Tannehill could adjust to that quarterback friendly offense. As it turned out, Lazor didn’t bother to change a whole lot. Either on his own accord or at the command of head coach Joe Philbin.

Since arriving to the NFL Ryan Tannehill has been saddled with bad offensive play calling and poor offensive line blocking. Making matter worse was the fact that Tannehill had little if any control at the line of scrimmage.

Not allowed to audible except to a singular play, Tannehill was often faced with running a play that he likely knew wouldn’t work. Under Adam Gase, there should be more freedom for Tannehill in the offense.

Provided of course that he can learn it.

Through camp thus far Tannehill has been inconsistent. While expected when a player has a new head coach and a completely different offense than he has ever played in, the Dolphins will only progress on the field as fast as Tannehill progresses in the system.

The Dolphins are in a precarious position with Tannehill in 2016 as the majority of Tannehill’s contract guarantees are now off the books. Following the season Tannehill’s contract will escalate into the high teens but without those guarantees, the Dolphins don’t need to keep him.

That could be a decision that comes easy if Tannehill fails to grasp what Adam Gase is teaching.