Let the Quarterback Battle Begin

Added on May 25, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

It’s no secret that the starting quarterback job in Miami is a wide open competition between last year’s starter Matt Moore, 2012 rookie first-rounder Ryan Tannehill and free agent addition David Garrard. However, who wins the gig is very much undecided. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is backing Moore, while the fans are clearly throwing their support behind Tannehill. But the decision ultimately lies with new head coach Joe Philbin.

In an ESPN interview on Wednesday, Philbin set a tentative date for naming his number one signal-caller.

“You’d love to have it done by after the second preseason game,” Philbin said Wednesday on ESPN. “Your third preseason game is when your first unit is going to get the vast majority of the snaps in terms of their preseason allocation. If it’s clear earlier we’ll make a decision at that point in time, but I’d say by the third preseason game we’d like to have a unit established.”

Of course, this will remain a fluid situation even once the regular season begins. If Moore or Garrard seize the top spot, either could be yanked at any point in favor of the rookie. If Tannehill gets the nod only to struggle early on, he could be sat down for a game or two to gain some perspective. Although, the latter scenario would be surprising considering most first-round quarterbacks thrown into the fire are rarely pulled out these days (see Blaine Gabbert in 2011).

Whoever takes the reigns under center will be doing so with a bare cupboard of playmaking threats. With Brandon Marshall jettisoned to Chicago, the Miami wide receiving corps will be led by Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Legedu Naanee. That’s not exactly a murderer’s row of talent, so expectations should be lowered for the offense in 2012.

As for the impending battle, it just makes sense to give Tannehill a shot. If for no other reason than to see how he handles the pressure. It’s unlikely the Dolphins will be legit contenders. This is the season to see if Tannehill has what it takes to be a franchise quarterback.

Source: NFL.com