Why does Tannehill’s name keeps coming up with Teammates

Why does Ryan Tannehill’s name keep emerging from previous teammates interviews? From Miko Grimes to Jarvis Laundry, the subtle and not so subtle jabs keep coming.

Former Dolphins are taking more parting shots at Ryan Tannehill than Miley Cyrus took at her 21st birthday party. The only Dolphin that has taken direct shots at Ryan has been Brent Grimes, through his PR agent Miko Grimes, aka his wife. All other freshly skinned fins have done so subtly via compliments to their new QBs.

The last week has found Jarvis Laundry taking subtle (and not so subtle) shots at Tannehill.

Laundry has stated:

"(Tyrod throwing ability) is a lot better than what I had in Miami. I’m excited about that. . . Again, I didn’t do that (the Browns’ skill players got together following the trade, had another gathering in Miami and planned a third activity this summer.) in Miami with the quarterbacks because they didn’t want to do it. I would say that the chemistry and the type of guys that I’m around here makes me that much more excited because I know I’m going to be pushed at all levels at all times. . ."

"I think (Ryan) Tannehill’s skill level and the way that he was playing the year we went to the playoffs before his injury was at a high level and he could have took us to a championship or whatever or whatnot, but it didn’t happen"

"We didn’t have a good relationship anyways, so I’m not surprised (that Jarvis hadn’t heard from Tannehill since the trade)"

Lots of stuff to unpack here. Laundry basically lays out that:

• Ryan’s passing ability is less than Tyrod Taylor’s
• Ryan didn’t want to participate in off season extracurricular workouts
• There was a lack of chemistry, perhaps with Tannehill specifically
• Tannehill was playing at a championship caliber level before the injury
• Laundry and Tannehill didn’t not have a good off the field relationship

Furthermore other teammates of Tannehill have said:

"“(Rivers) had so much excitement I said, ‘That’s the kind of guy I want to be with.’ This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I couldn’t pass it up. . .to be able to play with an elite guy like (Rivers) and a Hall-of-Fame quarterback is something I always dreamed of in my life,” – Pouncey"

"“We all respect Ryan as a leader, as a quarterback,”. . . “I guess what I’m saying is he’s far (from elite), I’m being honest. None of us know. … It’s like he’s been handcuffed. I’ve played with Brett (Favre), I’ve played with Aaron (Rodgers). I’ve played with great quarterbacks. So you can sense, you can quickly tell if one has it or not.”- Greg Jennings"

"Now Brent’s happy again! He cant wait to play! He has hope! He has a real gm! A real owner! A real qb! Anything is possible!Weird u made it when Tannehill got hurt and Matt Moore balled and saved the season. He had timing, knew the offense; sat on the bench 5yrs. – Miko Grimes"

So we have three additional players (one in proxy) commenting on Tannehill’s ability as a QB

Both Jennings and Pouncey clearly categorized Tannehill as “non-elite.” Pouncey also joined Jarvis in commenting on Ryan’s lack of energy and excitement. Jarvis continued explaining the lack of relationship and desire to participate in extra-curricular activities.

It’s becoming clear that Tannehill keeps to himself off the field. Interestingly enough, he isn’t a toxic personality. Players don’t hate playing with him. However, his indifference to chemistry building has effected his relationships and leadership. That same leadership that Gase has begged Ryan to take command of.

The interesting part from Miko is that she calls out Ryan’s timing. It’s unclear if there are timing issues with receiver’s routes and Ryan’s throws, or if the read progression timing is off. Perhaps it is both. When you couple this red flag with Jarvis talking about the lack of desire to participate in off-season workouts with receivers, we start to realize what the issue is. That issue is that Ryan didn’t put in the work with his receiving corp.

Greg Jennings is right. There is little question about Ryan’s potential as QB. Watching Ryan play does not scream inadequacy, it actually screams to me a game manager sprinkled with good skill. In fact the last year he played saw Tannehill with a 93.6 rating and 100.7 in his final 8 games before going down with a torn up knee. Those stats are starting to trend towards very high level efficiency. Tannehill is not an Aaron Rodgers or Brett Farve. He will never be a player that elevates the other 10 players on the field with elite ability. However, he does have the skill to win a Super Bowl ring, as Jarvis pointed out.

However, if Ryan continues with his lack of desire to integrate himself with his teammates, on and off the field, he will continue to receive less than ideal comments and feedback. That lack of unity will also cause his production to falter. It is also no secret that Ryan is not a ra-ra hype up guy, as pointed out by Pouncey, nor is he a favorite personality. He has even gotten in trouble for being a… less than ideal personality against practice squad players.

Tannehill may not be a Ryan Leaf, but he definitely isn’t a Peyton Manning. He won’t elevate his teammates play since he seems not to care enough to build relationships with them. That lack of chemistry seems to be taking full effect on and off the field.