Report: Tannehill Lost Confidence In Sherman
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – What looked like a promising season for second-year Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill ended with a two-game nightmare. But the team's problems and fifth straight season without a playoff berth is not all his fault.
In fact, Tannehill is one of the main reasons the Dolphins were even in the playoff race at the end of the season despite having little to no pass blocking, little to no running game, and poor play calling through most of the games.
Tannehill improved almost statistical number he could and largely avoided the dreaded sophomore slump. He completed more passes, for a higher completion percentage, more touchdowns, more yards per game, and improved his quarterback rating.
Two areas where Tannehill saw numbers get worse were interceptions and sacks. However, Tannehill threw the ball 104 more times this year, so both numbers would be expected to increase. Unfortunately for Tannehill, the sack number increased to a team record, and NFL leading, 58 in 2013.
But despite Tannehill's visible improvements, the Fins' offense was largely without explosion or direction for most of the season. The Fins' offensive woes centered around the offensive line and lack of running game.
Both contributed to Tannehill and the offense struggling and Tannehill began to question the offensive direction under Mike Sherman, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Tannehill, reportedly lost confidence in Sherman as the season came to a close.
Sherman showed a habit of abandoning the running game at the first sign of trouble and rested the offense's fate on Tannehill's right arm. That can work, but with bad players blocking for Tannehill; the offensive woes were evident to most fans and the media.
Miami finished the season ranked 26th in points and 27th in offensive yards from scrimmage. The Dolphins were ranked 29th in first downs gained, 20th in passing yards, 28th in net yards per attempt, 29th in rushing attempts, 26th in rushing yards gained, and dead last in sacks allowed.
One season after making several big splashes in free agency on the offensive side of the football, it's back to the drawing board for the Fins offense. The one thing that is certain is the Fins will return Tannehill as a quality starter for the third straight year, who is calling plays for him remains to be seen.
