NFL Takeaways: Ryan Tannehill On the Rise
By Erik Lambert
Aug 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 of the preseason approaches and the NFL is alive with news tidbits. Here are the latest takeaways.
Cowboys defense back at rock bottom with Orlando Scandrick news
Sean Lee is out. Henry Melton still isn’t healthy. Morris Claiborne is a bust and Demarcus Lawrence hasn’t even stepped on the field yet before getting hurt himself. If all that weren’t enough to demoralize an already reeling Dallas Cowboys defense, the news that cornerback Orlando Scandrick won’t play for them until week 5 of the regular season may have been the death knell. Scandrick was arguably their best corner in 2013. His loss creates another hole on a unit full of them. With this news could things actually be worse than they were last season?
Rex Grossman can help Johnny Manziel
The Cleveland Browns signing Rex Grossman should have no direct impact on the ongoing quarterback battle between Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel for the starting job. However, the addition of the veteran is an interesting twist. Grossman has a history of being able to impart knowledge to younger quarterbacks given his own successes early in his career (25-22 record as starter and Super Bowl appearance). That was proven with Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins in Washington. Grossman can do the same for Manziel, provided the enigmatic young quarterback is willing to listen.
Hakeem Nicks won’t solve Indianapolis Colts other offensive problems
The possibilties regarding the passing attack for the Indianapolis Colts are endless. They have a rising star at quarterback in Andrew Luck with three intriguing targets now at wide receiver in Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks. However, the addition of Nicks doesn’t mean much in regards to some of the other problems the Colts are facing. Not only did they lose a key member of their backfield in Vick Ballard for the season, but their offensive line is starting to take hits as well. Nicks’ presence could be wasted in 2014 if Luck isn’t protected.
Ryan Tannehill has the look of a Pro Bowler
Among the quieter stories of the NFL seasons thus far is the progress of Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. His preseason debut was superb, going 6-of-6 for 62 yards and a touchdown. It’s merely another sign of the progress he’s made since his rookie season, progress that is overshadowed by how poorly he’s been protected by the offensive line (58 sacks in 2013). It feels like this season Tannehill has the maturity and the weapons to do big things provided he is able to stay on his feet. In fact, if the sack total comes down even into the high 30s or low 40s, expected the Dolphins signal caller to play at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.