Top Reasons For The Dolphins NOT To Extend Ryan Tannehill's Contract
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
Ryan Tannehill has been the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback since being drafted eighth overall in 2012. Reports began to surface this week that the Dolphins were discussing a long-term contract extension with Tannehill, who is entering the final season of his rookie deal. If Miami is looking to lock up Tannehill for the next several years, it certainly appears that they consider him their franchise quarterback.
During his first three seasons in the NFL Tannehill has yet to miss a start, playing in every single game for Miami. The Dolphins still haven't made the playoffs since 2008 but the team has been better in the three years with Tannehill then they were before he arrived in Miami. Whether he can lead the Dolphins to the promise land remains to be seen. We've already listed the reasons for Miami to extend Tannehill's contract so now let's go down the list of reasons not to.
Not Yet A Proven Winner
While it's true that the Dolphins offense has gotten better with each passing year that Tannehill has been at the helm, the team has yet to win more than eight games in a season during his tenure. The great quarterbacks in the NFL find ways to get their team in the win column with a game hanging in the balance but Tannehill hasn't shown that he can take a close game and turn it into a victory. Before he can earn the 'proven winner' title, Tannehill first has to get Miami into the playoffs. Then, he has to win there.
Problems With The Deep Ball
One of the main constants during Tannehill's career has been his inability to connect with receivers on deep passes. Miami signed Mike Wallace, arguably the NFL's most explosive deep threat (at the time), prior to the 2013 season. In his two seasons with the Dolphins however, Wallace's down the field abilities have become all but forgotten due to Tannehill being unable to connect with him when the speedy receiver has gotten behind opposing defenses. If Tannehill can figure out how to throw the deep ball and hit his receivers when they're 30, 40 and 50 yards away, his game will become exponentially better. But that's a big if.
Takes Too Many Sacks
Tannehill has been one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the NFL since entering the league in 2012. Part of that can be attributed to the Dolphins poor offensive line play but there is still a good amount of blame to fall on Tannehill's shoulders. His pocket awareness has been very slow to develop, and that can likely be attributed to the fact that he didn't begin playing quarterback until his final two years at Texas A&M. Between knowing when to take off and run (especially considering his above average rushing ability) and when to just throw the ball away, Tannehill has got to start recognizing when it's time to give up on a passing play and salvage whatever he can out of the down.
Fourth Quarter Drop-off
It's no secret that Tannehill has had his issues during the fourth quarter of games. While he finished the 2014 season with a career-high passer rating of 92.8, that number plummeted in the fourth quarter to a rating of 80.5, good for 22nd in the league. Tannehill has shown that he has all the physical skills to succeed in the NFL, but he has to have the mental edge as well. The fourth quarter is winning time, and that's when a franchise quarterback should be at his best.
Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)
