Ryan Tannehill’s 2017 role as a Miami starter will be determined this season.
Ryan Tannehill’s 2017 season with Miami will rest on his 2016 performance.
At first glance, the title may seem a bit strange. Yes, it says the year 2017 because, make no mistake, how well Ryan Tannehill plays in 2016 season will determine his future with the Miami Dolphins.
First, let me clear the air: I believe Tannehill will play far better than he has so far in his career. But, it’s by no means a guarantee that his play will be good enough for the Dolphins franchise to pin it’s future on his current contract.
Okay, my tangent is done and back onto topic.
The obvious answer to Tannehill’s future is if he is able to take the Dolphins to the Playoffs this season, then his contract with definitely not be opted out of, and he will remain the Dolphins QB for the foreseeable future.
Okay, that was easy…if this ends up being the case! But, what if he doesn’t lead Miami to the playoffs?
The world of “pundit know it alls” (not me, not me) are not giving the Dolphins much of a chance to succeed in this upcoming season. Even the best sportsbooks are picking Miami to end up last in the AFC East with a shabby over / under Regular Season win total of 7. So the reality is, Miami and Tannehill have the odds stacked heavily against them in their pursuit to make this a meaningful season – at least as far as post-season play is concerned.
So, if the Dolphins fail to make the playoffs, the rest of the world will not see it as a failure, but merely meeting the expectations.
But, for the Miami franchise, for the fed-up fans, and for Tannehill, it won’t be so palatable a mouthful to swallow.
But, what if Tannehill leads Miami to an 8-8 season without a playoff appearance? Will that be enough for him to keep his job for 2017? This scenario isn’t so clear cut. On the surface, 8-8 would be a successful season in the eyes of the odds makers because Miami would have won more games then they were predicted to win – especially in light of the Dolphins brutal schedule this season.
So, 8-8 might not look “too” bad given the context of the situation.
I know we are all desperate to see the Dolphins make the playoffs this upcoming season and context can go suck eggs. But, in all fairness, outside the frustration of a decade of misery, an 8-8 record would be a grey area between joy and disgust. In reality, instead of choking on another season with results below expectation, it would be a season that exceeds them.
So an encouraging 8-8 record, compounded with Tannehill improving, another off-season to add more pieces, I would have tepid hope for 2017. The 2015 team had a lot of issues, and the truth is if the 2016 team has fixed even most of their flaws in one year, it will have been quite a remarkable job. So from a realistic perspective, if improvements are seen and the arrow is pointing up, then I can go on life-support and live with this, and live with Tannehill for a couple more seasons.
Beyond a miracle with Doughty, Miami will have to “Go Fish” if Tannehill isn’t around in 2017.
Let’s also face it, another harsh reality is Miami won’t have a plethora of concrete options if Tannehill isn’t the answer. Miami will likely draft a QB next year, regardless of what Miami does with Tannehill, but the fact is the QB free agent market is not going to offer a gold mine of talent: Drew Brees, Kirk Cousins and Tyrod Taylor are truly the only 2017 free agent QB’s worth mentioning – and none are certain to hit the market. If Cousins and Taylor play well then their respective teams will most likely lock them up to long term contracts. And if they do not play well, what makes them any better than Tannehill? In regards to Brees, he is already 37, and will only really have a couple more seasons left in the tank; he is definitely not a long term answer.
Lastly, and this is the worst case scenario, and is as obvious as making the Playoffs, if Tannehill can’t get the Dolphins to even an 8-8 record, does not improve the offense’s points per game, or third down efficiency, or 4th quarter efficiency or Redzone efficiency, then there really is no reason to give Tannehill a 6th season. Tannehill needs to show improvement in some or all of these categories in order for me, and likely Miami, to have enough patience to give him a 6th season.
The ball will be in Tannehil’s court. Improvements are in place for him to have the best platform to succeed in his career. If he can improve in the critical categories, then the Dolphins record will also be improved because top tier QB’s are very good in these areas, and these areas directly result in wins. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about what Tannehill needs to do to warrant a 6th season starting in Miami? Go Fins!!!
Finale conversation about Sankey His record below show he is durable and Tennessee clearly did not burn him out? I do know he can carry 30 carries a game.
As a true freshman in 2011, Sankey played in 12 of 13 games for the Huskies, rushing for 187 yards on 28 carries with one touchdown as a backup to Chris Polk. As a sophomore in 2012, he took over as the starter and rushed for 1,439 yards on 289 carries with 16 touchdowns.[6] He was the MVP of the 2012 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas after rushing for 205 yards and 74 receiving yards on six receptions.[7] As a junior in 2013, he rushed for 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns.[8] He set school records for rushing yards in a season, passing Corey Dillon, as well as career rushing touchdowns.[9]
Sankey did not redshirt and entered the 2014 NFL Draft after his junior season at age 21
NFL
2014 Season[edit] On June 17, 2014, Sankey signed a 4 year contract with the Titans. Sankey scored his first NFL touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on September 28, 2014. Sankey finished his rookie season with 569 yards on 152 carries and 2 touchdowns. Sankey recorded an additional 133 receiving yards on 18 receptions.[16]
2015 Season[edit] Sankey opened his second season with a bang reaching a career high 74 yards on 12 carries and 1 touchdown. However following week 6, Sankey would only receive 8 carries for 34 yards and 6 receptions and was a healthy scratch 3 times.[17] Sankey started only 3 games in 2015, down from last years 9.[18]
Another third back option the Browns sound unhappy with Crowell, it is unlikely he’ll face some sort of suspension, especially since the league sounds satisfied with his actions. It is a situation worth watching, however, as the team could take things into their own hands. If there is a suspension, or perhaps the team elects to go another way and cut him, it could be the gain of Duke Johnson, Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert and perhaps Terrell Watson. Once again Sankey is the better route?
Keeping the Chains moving Don’t take a sack make a play with his legs Take control of the Game Don’t become one dimensional (spread the ball to rushers 60%) Ajayi or Drake. Improved End Zone Performance (Score) Take what the Defense gives up Let Rushers gain that tough 1st down yards or QB Rush
I recall my school days I watch our coach practice 3 quarter backs ( One was big had the deep threat pass), (One was in between), (One was the smaller of the 3QB’s). These guys called their own plays. The smaller QB could read defensive better, and could moved the team better. But in those tough must win games the deep pass QB would come threw.
So who was the Best QB? What I’m saying is some games A coach needs to play the hot hand QB and forget about hurt feelings. I know that I’m right!
I witnessed the 70’s Steelers Even his coach, Chuck Noll, doubted Bradshaw on occasion, benching him at various times for Terry Hanratty and Joe Gilliam, though that ended in 1974, Pittsburgh’s first Super Bowl season.
Bradshaw’s teammates wondered about their quarterback as well. When he once called a power sweep on third-and-30, two offensive linemen threatened to punch him unless he changed the play.
At least partly because of his down-home speech patterns, Bradshaw was referred to as “Li’l Abner,” a backwoods cartoon character, even as he led the Steelers to their first NFL championship in 1974. No one in the league threw a more powerful pass than Bradshaw, who could sting a receiver’s hands 50 yards downfield. At 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds, he was the ideal size and he was naturally gifted, all right. But he was a little rough around the edges. After eight NFL seasons, he still had not been selected to a Pro Bowl.
8-8 would not be acceptable season for any Dolphin which is 2 more games from last season. After 30 QB’s none of them were able to carry the Dolphins solely on their passing Arm. That being said if the plan for this season is to win on Tannehill arm we will not win many games.
Our success will come from a powerful run game to enable Tannehill to be more effective managing the team.
The Last 4 season Bill Lazor prohibited the run game and is out of job.
Ajayi & Drake Both have durability issues and Bishop Sankey an overall 54th, 2014 Titans draft pick. Sankey is proven Durable by playing 16 NFL games Sankey a Great Receiving back, Blocking, power runner.
Making Sankey a Dolphins would ensure that we don’t missed a beat this season without an injury excuse. We all want Ajayi and Drake to stay healthy. I’m sure that we can make the Titans Antonio Andrews or Bishop Sankey a Dolphin since both or now playing behind Murray from Dallas and Heisman Trophy winner RB Henry with the Titans.
That’s why I like Gase…he isn’t Lazor-like. He always values the RB and make them a centerpiece. I think we might be a little deficient in RB talent (or durability talent), but in line with a Lemmusism “the line play will cover their deficits”. I see Miami picking up another back at some point and they will run the ball. Don’t have the stat off hand but W’s come more by number of runs verses yards. Miami can simply be efficient at the ground game but have their carries in the high 20’s and force team to play imbalanced and win that way. What I’m saying is we dont need to be 90’s Dallas, we can be like Pats first championship team that pounded eff. I do like your idea of picking up some backs after cuts.
The season has not started yet and we have flaw’s in the run game already (Injury/Durability. Dolphins are sugar coating our back field. Under Joe Philbin we watch Moreno from Denver run threw the Pats during the game opener a few season back.
Knowing that Moreno was injured the Fins dis illusion themselves with the notion We will pass our way to success and it was a disaster. The way to beat the Pat’s is run and Tannehill play action along with solid Defense. The Fins have proved this over the years. “But continually result to the pass (29 Quarter backs). What have we learned? All of those QB’s were not washed up do you think?
I’m very high on Bishop Sankey as a insurance policy in case Ajayi and Drake suffer injuries. Source: The Tennessean – John Glennon June 3, 2016 3:39 pm ET
Tennessee Titans RB Bishop Sankey has made some solid plays during offseason workouts, and head coach Mike Mularkey said he believes the competition at the position has improved the play of several of the running backs. Sankey is expected to compete with RBs Antonio Andrews and David Cobb for roster spots during training camp.
Tip: Sankey probably would only be the No. 4 running back if he makes the team, which would not bring a lot of playing time. Sankey could receive a bigger role if he joins another team but is not a strong fantasy option.
Tip: Tennessee has a slew of running backs right now, and DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry will be the primary ball-carriers. Cobb will have to work his way up the totem pole to see any significant playing time, so he’s best kept on waivers for now.
Tennessee Titans have a nice selection of RB’s (Antonio Andrews I believed is the most Talented in this group behind Murray and Henry. He’s the fastest, return kick returns, better receiver, Probably the best running back for the Dolphins. I still would go after Sankey for durability and his toughness.
Late last season Tennessee Titans RB Antonio Andrews and RB David Cobb will divide carries this week more than at any point this year, according to head coach Mike Mularkey.
Tip: Cobb may receive more of a chance since he has played in the last few games with Sankey not being used in the last few games. Antonio Andrews should still receive a majority of the carries and may be the only running back worth starting in fantasy leagues.
Tip: For the season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, it sounds as if Sankey ($2,000, 4.0% of cap) and Cobb ($2,000) will be the most involved, with Andrews ($3,400, 6.8% of cap) being sprinkled in. Sankey or Cobb could be worth a desperation play in a flex spot on FantasyScore if you’re feeling lucky.
Source: TitansOnline.com – Jim Wyatt May 30, 2016 5:39 pm ET
Lets pulled our heads out of the sand and go after a Solid Durable Running Back for insurance if our Ajayi or Drake goes down.
Week 16 of last season Bishop Sankey receives praise
Just another reason I think Sankey is best to bring aboard for the Dolphins. Tennessee Titans RB Bishop Sankey received some praise from the coaching staff after the Week 16 loss. He led all Titans running backs with 30 snaps, although he ran just twice for seven yards and added three catches for a career-high 43 yards. Sankey had just two carries the previous nine weeks, and head coach Mike Mularkey said Sankey will continue to see more time in Week 17. Mularkey also feels that RB David Cobb is improving, but Cobb had only seven carries for 18 yards against the Houston Texans. RB Antonio Andrews lost an early fumble, and Mularkey didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm for him.
Running Backs In trouble with their Team. There lost Dolphins Gain!
Karlos Williams might need conditioning
Buffalo Bills RB Karlos Williams showed up to minicamp approximately 20-25 pounds overweight. Head coach Rex Ryan indicated the team would need to set a realistic weight-loss goal for Williams by the start of training camp, which probably means he’ll be starting practice conditioning on the sideline.
Tip: Williams is trying to hang onto the No. 2 job behind LeSean McCoy, but it could be good news for Mike Gillislee, James Wilder Jr. and Jonathan Williams. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Isaiah Crowell in hot water
Cleveland Browns RB Isaiah Crowell posted a graphic depiction of a police officer being stabbed in the neck by a hooded man on social media last week. He quickly deleted the post, and apologized and the league seemed pleased with his quick response. However, the team is unhappy with the back. ‘We have spoken to Isaiah regarding his extremely disturbing and unacceptable social media decision. It was completely inappropriate and we have made him aware of our high level of disappointment,’ the team said in a statement Monday, July 11. ‘Isaiah has apologized but also knows that just an apology is insufficient and that he must take steps to make a positive difference after a very negative and impactful post.’
Tip: While the Browns sound unhappy with Crowell, it is unlikely he’ll face some sort of suspension, especially since the league sounds satisfied with his actions. It is a situation worth watching, however, as the team could take things into their own hands. If there is a suspension, or perhaps the team elects to go another way and cut him, it could be the gain of Duke Johnson, Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert and perhaps Terrell Watson.
to be fair, taking a terrible team that won 6 games with a whole new regime, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t be considered terrible. Seattle started their run with 2 seasons of 7-9, I believe.
Jimmy
Finale conversation about Sankey His record below show he is durable and Tennessee clearly did not burn him out? I do know he can carry 30 carries a game.
As a true freshman in 2011, Sankey played in 12 of 13 games for the Huskies, rushing for 187 yards on 28 carries with one touchdown as a backup to Chris Polk. As a sophomore in 2012, he took over as the starter and rushed for 1,439 yards on 289 carries with 16 touchdowns.[6] He was the MVP of the 2012 Maaco Bowl Las Vegas after rushing for 205 yards and 74 receiving yards on six receptions.[7] As a junior in 2013, he rushed for 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns.[8] He set school records for rushing yards in a season, passing Corey Dillon, as well as career rushing touchdowns.[9]
Sankey did not redshirt and entered the 2014 NFL Draft after his junior season at age 21
NFL
2014 Season[edit]
On June 17, 2014, Sankey signed a 4 year contract with the Titans. Sankey scored his first NFL touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on September 28, 2014. Sankey finished his rookie season with 569 yards on 152 carries and 2 touchdowns. Sankey recorded an additional 133 receiving yards on 18 receptions.[16]
2015 Season[edit]
Sankey opened his second season with a bang reaching a career high 74 yards on 12 carries and 1 touchdown. However following week 6, Sankey would only receive 8 carries for 34 yards and 6 receptions and was a healthy scratch 3 times.[17] Sankey started only 3 games in 2015, down from last years 9.[18]
Jimmy!
Another third back option the Browns sound unhappy with Crowell, it is unlikely he’ll face some sort of suspension, especially since the league sounds satisfied with his actions. It is a situation worth watching, however, as the team could take things into their own hands. If there is a suspension, or perhaps the team elects to go another way and cut him, it could be the gain of Duke Johnson, Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert and perhaps Terrell Watson. Once again Sankey is the better route?
Jimmy!
Tannehill to start means:
Keeping the Chains moving
Don’t take a sack make a play with his legs
Take control of the Game
Don’t become one dimensional (spread the ball to rushers 60%) Ajayi or Drake.
Improved End Zone Performance (Score)
Take what the Defense gives up
Let Rushers gain that tough 1st down yards or QB Rush
I recall my school days I watch our coach practice 3 quarter backs ( One was big had the deep threat pass), (One was in between), (One was the smaller of the 3QB’s). These guys called their own plays. The smaller QB could read defensive better, and could moved the team better. But in those tough must win games the deep pass QB would come threw.
So who was the Best QB? What I’m saying is some games A coach needs to play the hot hand QB and forget about hurt feelings. I know that I’m right!
I witnessed the 70’s Steelers Even his coach, Chuck Noll, doubted Bradshaw on occasion, benching him at various times for Terry Hanratty and Joe Gilliam, though that ended in 1974, Pittsburgh’s first Super Bowl season.
Bradshaw’s teammates wondered about their quarterback as well. When he once called a power sweep on third-and-30, two offensive linemen threatened to punch him unless he changed the play.
At least partly because of his down-home speech patterns, Bradshaw was referred to as “Li’l Abner,” a backwoods cartoon character, even as he led the Steelers to their first NFL championship in 1974.
No one in the league threw a more powerful pass than Bradshaw, who could sting a receiver’s hands 50 yards downfield. At 6 feet 3 inches and 220 pounds, he was the ideal size and he was naturally gifted, all right. But he was a little rough around the edges. After eight NFL seasons, he still had not been selected to a Pro Bowl.
They don’t make QB’s like Bradshaw who prevailed under adversity. Most are Babied now!
http://www.steelers.com/history/three-rivers/terry-bradshaw.html
8-8 would not be acceptable season for any Dolphin which is 2 more games from last season. After 30 QB’s none of them were able to carry the Dolphins solely on their passing Arm. That being said if the plan for this season is to win on Tannehill arm we will not win many games.
Our success will come from a powerful run game to enable Tannehill to be more effective managing the team.
The Last 4 season Bill Lazor prohibited the run game and is out of job.
Ajayi & Drake Both have durability issues and Bishop Sankey an overall 54th, 2014 Titans draft pick.
Sankey is proven Durable by playing 16 NFL games Sankey a Great Receiving back, Blocking, power runner.
Making Sankey a Dolphins would ensure that we don’t missed a beat this season without
an injury excuse. We all want Ajayi and Drake to stay healthy. I’m sure that we can make the Titans Antonio Andrews or Bishop Sankey a Dolphin since both or now playing behind Murray from Dallas and Heisman Trophy winner RB Henry with the Titans.
That’s why I like Gase…he isn’t Lazor-like. He always values the RB and make them a centerpiece. I think we might be a little deficient in RB talent (or durability talent), but in line with a Lemmusism “the line play will cover their deficits”. I see Miami picking up another back at some point and they will run the ball. Don’t have the stat off hand but W’s come more by number of runs verses yards. Miami can simply be efficient at the ground game but have their carries in the high 20’s and force team to play imbalanced and win that way. What I’m saying is we dont need to be 90’s Dallas, we can be like Pats first championship team that pounded eff. I do like your idea of picking up some backs after cuts.
Admin
The season has not started yet and we have flaw’s in the run game already (Injury/Durability. Dolphins are sugar coating our back field. Under Joe Philbin we watch Moreno from Denver run threw the Pats during the game opener a few season back.
Knowing that Moreno was injured the Fins dis illusion themselves with the notion We will pass our way to success and it was a disaster. The way to beat the Pat’s is run and Tannehill play action along with solid Defense. The Fins have proved this over the years. “But continually result to the pass (29 Quarter backs). What have we learned? All of those QB’s were not washed up do you think?
Admin
I’m very high on Bishop Sankey as a insurance policy in case Ajayi and Drake suffer injuries.
Source: The Tennessean – John Glennon June 3, 2016 3:39 pm ET
Tennessee Titans RB Bishop Sankey has made some solid plays during offseason workouts, and head coach Mike Mularkey said he believes the competition at the position has improved the play of several of the running backs. Sankey is expected to compete with RBs Antonio Andrews and David Cobb for roster spots during training camp.
Tip: Sankey probably would only be the No. 4 running back if he makes the team, which would not bring a lot of playing time. Sankey could receive a bigger role if he joins another team but is not a strong fantasy option.
Admin
Tip: Tennessee has a slew of running backs right now, and DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry will be the primary ball-carriers. Cobb will have to work his way up the totem pole to see any significant playing time, so he’s best kept on waivers for now.
Tennessee Titans have a nice selection of RB’s (Antonio Andrews I believed is the most Talented in this group behind Murray and Henry. He’s the fastest, return kick returns, better receiver, Probably the best running back for the Dolphins. I still would go after Sankey for durability and his toughness.
Late last season Tennessee Titans RB Antonio Andrews and RB David Cobb will divide carries this week more than at any point this year, according to head coach Mike Mularkey.
Tip: Cobb may receive more of a chance since he has played in the last few games with Sankey not being used in the last few games. Antonio Andrews should still receive a majority of the carries and may be the only running back worth starting in fantasy leagues.
Tip: For the season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, it sounds as if Sankey ($2,000, 4.0% of cap) and Cobb ($2,000) will be the most involved, with Andrews ($3,400, 6.8% of cap) being sprinkled in. Sankey or Cobb could be worth a desperation play in a flex spot on FantasyScore if you’re feeling lucky.
Source: TitansOnline.com – Jim Wyatt May 30, 2016 5:39 pm ET
Lets pulled our heads out of the sand and go after a Solid Durable Running Back for insurance if our Ajayi or Drake goes down.
Admin
Week 16 of last season
Bishop Sankey receives praise
Just another reason I think Sankey is best to bring aboard for the Dolphins.
Tennessee Titans RB Bishop Sankey received some praise from the coaching staff after the Week 16 loss. He led all Titans running backs with 30 snaps, although he ran just twice for seven yards and added three catches for a career-high 43 yards. Sankey had just two carries the previous nine weeks, and head coach Mike Mularkey said Sankey will continue to see more time in Week 17. Mularkey also feels that RB David Cobb is improving, but Cobb had only seven carries for 18 yards against the Houston Texans. RB Antonio Andrews lost an early fumble, and Mularkey didn’t seem to have much enthusiasm for him.
man, I still am hoping Williams get his act together…cause if not they are a bit light and another back will be in order.
Running Backs In trouble with their Team. There lost Dolphins Gain!
Karlos Williams might need conditioning
Buffalo Bills RB Karlos Williams showed up to minicamp approximately 20-25 pounds overweight. Head coach Rex Ryan indicated the team would need to set a realistic weight-loss goal for Williams by the start of training camp, which probably means he’ll be starting practice conditioning on the sideline.
Tip: Williams is trying to hang onto the No. 2 job behind LeSean McCoy, but it could be good news for Mike Gillislee, James Wilder Jr. and Jonathan Williams.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Isaiah Crowell in hot water
Cleveland Browns RB Isaiah Crowell posted a graphic depiction of a police officer being stabbed in the neck by a hooded man on social media last week. He quickly deleted the post, and apologized and the league seemed pleased with his quick response. However, the team is unhappy with the back. ‘We have spoken to Isaiah regarding his extremely disturbing and unacceptable social media decision. It was completely inappropriate and we have made him aware of our high level of disappointment,’ the team said in a statement Monday, July 11. ‘Isaiah has apologized but also knows that just an apology is insufficient and that he must take steps to make a positive difference after a very negative and impactful post.’
Tip: While the Browns sound unhappy with Crowell, it is unlikely he’ll face some sort of suspension, especially since the league sounds satisfied with his actions. It is a situation worth watching, however, as the team could take things into their own hands. If there is a suspension, or perhaps the team elects to go another way and cut him, it could be the gain of Duke Johnson, Glenn Winston, Raheem Mostert and perhaps Terrell Watson.
after crowells tweet about Texas, i suspect he is in even more hot water….and maybe a pr albatross.
“an encouraging 8-8 record”
…sigh
…kind of says it all, it does ?
to be fair, taking a terrible team that won 6 games with a whole new regime, under normal circumstances, wouldn’t be considered terrible. Seattle started their run with 2 seasons of 7-9, I believe.