NFL Takeaways: Ryan Tannehill Is Heir to Tom Brady
By Erik Lambert
Oct 27, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) shakes hands with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Dolpins 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
There were loads of twists and turns in the first week of NFL action. Here are some takeaways from the notable performances.
Tannehill and Miami Dolphins could inherit throne of Patriots
People have been wondering for awhile who will eventually replace future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. What they failed to realize is that his heir to the AFC East throne may not be on the New England Patriots roster. That honor could be reserved for Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill who led an enormous second half rally that marked the second time in three games he has beaten Brady. Unheard of.
Kansas City Chiefs are in store for a nose dive
Worries persisted about whether the Kansas City Chiefs could survive some of the losses they suffered up front on the offensive line in free agency last March. Considering Alex Smith was sacked four times and threw three interceptions in a 26-10 drubbing at home at the hands of Tennessee, there is definite cause for concern because the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the team moving forward. This could be a rough year for them.
Tony Romo hasn’t changed and never will
Dallas Cowboys fans probably didn’t walk away surprised from their opening day 28-17 humiliation at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. Once again the maddening case of Tony Romo was on full display. He moved the offense all afternoon but threw three costly interceptions that allowed the 49ers to jump out to a 28-3 lead. At age 34 it’s fair to say that Romo isn’t likely to change. He’ll post great numbers in 2014, but at some point he will make the worst possible throw at the worst possible time.
Matt Ryan may be ready to join elite tier of quarterbacks
On the other hand, it may be time for the experts and fans to give Matt Ryan his due. He had a solid 2013 season despite playing without Julio Jones or a defense. Nobody gave him a chance in the opener against New Orleans and he responded with 448 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, he may not be the most talented in the league but the guy is often the single reason his team wins football games. That is the mark of an elite quarterback. It’s time to give him the props.
Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker is in trouble
Head coaches typically inhabit a hot seat during the season but the Chicago Bears may have an assistant boarding the fast track to unemployment. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker oversaw a unit that finished 2013 the worst in the NFL against the run, allowing 160 yards per game, and also in sacks. So watching his supposedly retooled roster surrender 196 rushing yards and notching just one sack against Buffalo was not what fans had in mind. This kind of defensive play can’t continue for the Bears, which means they may not wait until the end of the season to oust Tucker in favor of somebody else.